Hong Kong racing returns to its iconic Happy Valley circuit this Wednesday for a competitive eight-race programme, featuring a potent double-handed assault from the in-form stable of trainer Danny Shum.
Perfect Conditions for Eternal Fortune
The action kicks off at 11.10am on the notoriously tight C+3 track, where a low draw and early speed are often decisive. All signs point to a winning opportunity for ETERNAL FORTUNE in the Plover Cove Handicap at 2.15pm over five furlongs. The gelding, a former three-time winner in the UK for Nigel Tinkler, has been a model of consistency over this course and distance without recently finding the winner's enclosure.
This time, fortune appears to be on his side. Drawn perfectly in stall one, the known fast starter is set for a rails-hugging trip under champion jockey Zac Purton, who has ridden 42 winners so far this season. The pair will likely track probable leaders Parents’ Love and Wonderstar before launching their challenge in the home straight.
Shum and Purton Reunite for Valley Assault
The reunion of Purton with trainer Danny Shum adds significant intrigue. While their legendary partnership, which included a Royal Ascot victory with Little Bridge in 2012, may have peaked, their current form is formidable. This season, the duo boasts a 50-percent strike-rate with four wins from just eight collaborations. Shum's yard is in sparkling form, having saddled several winners in the past fortnight as it builds towards saddling champion Romantic Warrior in next Sunday's Group One LONGINES Hong Kong Cup.
McDonald Seeks Redemption on Wrote A New Page
Shum's second major chance comes in the High Island Handicap at 2.50pm over nine furlongs, where James McDonald renews his association with WROTE A NEW PAGE. The combination finished a close sixth, beaten just half a length, in a blanket finish over this course and distance last month. McDonald, the regular rider of Romantic Warrior, is a trusted ally of the stable.
Cheekpieces are applied for the first time to sharpen the horse's focus, and a more favourable draw should allow McDonald to position him closer to the pace from the start. The race is fiercely competitive, featuring the returning favourite Joy Of Spring, the distance specialist Fallon, and the likely front-runner Liveandletlive. However, Shum and McDonald will be doubly determined to score a confidence-boosting victory ahead of the big weekend.
Wednesday's Pointers:
- Eternal Fortune – 2.15pm, Happy Valley
- Wrote A New Page – 2.50pm, Happy Valley
