Horse racing enthusiasts are set to flock to Sha Tin in Hong Kong on Thursday for a vibrant Chinese New Year race day, featuring an 11-race programme headlined by the Year of the Horse Cup at 7.00 am over a mile. This festive occasion sees fans arriving armed with lucky pens, keyrings, and other auspicious items, hoping to start the New Year with winning bets and full pockets.
Chris So Seeks Fortune's Favor Amid Stable Struggles
Trainer Chris So is one figure eagerly awaiting a change in luck. Despite saddling 15 winners this season, his stable has endured a rough patch, with no victories since January 11. A losing streak of 59 races doesn't tell the full story, as a dozen of his runners have placed, but the popular 57-year-old trainer is hopeful that fortune will swing back in his favor soon.
Top Dragon's Bid for Redemption in Main Event
So pins high hopes on his stable star, Top Dragon, in the Year of the Horse Cup. The Australian-bred gelding has faced recent misfortune, notably when blocked in the home straight during a fifth-place finish in the Four-Year-Old Classic Mile behind Little Paradise last month. While unlikely to have beaten the winner, he would have placed, showcasing strong form that stands out in this contest.
Racing off bottom-weight against familiar rivals like Encountered, Beauty Eternal, Soleil Fighter, and Stunning Peach—who have struggled to win often—Top Dragon holds an advantage. Gorgeous Win and Regal Gem remain unproven over the distance. Connections, aiming for the Hong Kong Derby next month, have opted to skip the Four-Year-Old Classic Cup for this race, banking on a strategic choice.
Seraph Gabriel and Le Zonda in Red Packet Handicap
Later on the card, the Red Packet Handicap at 8.40 am over 10 furlongs features another Hong Kong Derby hopeful, Seraph Gabriel. Trained by David Eustace, this son of Saxon Warrior was transferred from Ralph Beckett's UK stable after a runner-up finish at Royal Ascot in June, with eyes set on next month's big race. A recent narrow loss to smart handicapper Lucky Sam Gor indicates peak condition, and the increased distance is a significant boost.
In the same race, watch for once-raced Le Zonda, who impressed on debut behind leading Derby hope Numbers. Jockey Zac Purton, still seeking a Derby ride, will be in the saddle, adding intrigue to this competitive event.
Key Pointers for Thursday's Races
- Top Dragon: 7.00 am at Sha Tin in the Year of the Horse Cup.
- Seraph Gabriel: 8.40 am at Sha Tin in the Red Packet Handicap.
- Le Zonda each-way: 8.40 am at Sha Tin in the Red Packet Handicap.
