John Size's formidable presence in the Hong Kong racing scene continues to build momentum, with his stable firmly positioned as a contender in the ongoing trainers' title race. Following the recent victory of Flow Water Flow at Sha Tin last Sunday, Size's bandwagon is rolling with increasing force, showcasing the depth and health of his yard.
Closing the Gap in the Championship Standings
Currently, John Size trails the championship leader, Mark Newnham, by a margin of 10 winners. However, since the turn of the New Year, Size has been rapidly cutting into this deficit, demonstrating a remarkable resurgence. In January alone, his stable secured an impressive nine winners, and they have already added four more victories this month, bringing his total to 25 winners in the current campaign.
There is no denying that the 'master trainer', a title earned through 13 Trainers' Championships in Hong Kong, has his operation in rude health. This is evident as he sends a strong raiding party of eight gallopers to the city track, with every expectation of augmenting his win tally further.
Key Partnership with Andrea Atzeni
One of the standout factors in Size's recent success has been his fruitful collaboration with top jockey Andrea Atzeni. The Sardinian-born pilot has formed a highly effective partnership with the stable, partnering eight winners from just 57 rides, a statistic that underscores their synergy and Atzeni's current form.
In a late development, Atzeni has received a call-up to partner the Size-trained Spirit Of Peace in the first division of the Sam Chuk Handicap, scheduled for 2.50pm over six furlongs at Happy Valley. This pairing adds an intriguing layer to the race, with omens looking favourable for a strong performance.
Spirit Of Peace's Recent Form and Prospects
It is a rare occurrence when a late betting plunge on a John Size galloper fails to yield returns, but that was precisely the case in Spirit Of Peace's last outing. The horse was backed into favouritism, yet encountered significant misfortune during the race. Forced to zigzag through the field, Spirit Of Peace made his challenge too late, finishing just over a length behind in fifth place, behind the subsequent winner Romantic Son a fortnight ago.
As with all sprints at Happy Valley, luck will inevitably play a crucial role in determining the outcome. If Andrea Atzeni can execute a quicker start from the gate and secure a midfield position with cover from the outset, Spirit Of Peace will be exceptionally difficult to halt in the closing stages of the race.
Race Day Pointers
Spirit Of Peace is set to compete at 2.50pm at Happy Valley, representing a key opportunity for John Size to chip away at the trainers' championship deficit. With the stable in such robust form and Atzeni in the saddle, all eyes will be on this contender as they aim to deliver a decisive performance.
