Fresh from a Happy Valley double, Pierre Ng will bid to add further impetus to an impressive start to the season by throwing down the gauntlet to champion sprinter Lucky Sweynesse with Duke Wai in the G2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (22 October).
Fourth in the G3 Korea Sprint (1200m, sand) behind Japan’s Remake – who set a course record – in Seoul on 10 September, Duke Wai (117lb) returns to Sha Tin on Sunday when he will face Lucky Sweynesse (135lb), Sight Success (121lb), Victor The Winner (118lb), Stoltz (117lb) and Adios (115lb).
“He (Duke Wai) travelled back brilliantly (from Seoul). It was the second trip (overseas) for him and he handles it well. We trialled him last week, which he won and he finished very well. We’ve got the gear (pacifier with cowls) on for him, similar to the Korean race,” said Ng, who leads the 2023/24 Hong Kong trainers’ championship with 11 wins.
“With the light weight, I hope he gets maximum pace. So let’s see how he goes. It’s (going to be) difficult, but with the light weight advantage, that’s a big help.”
Since inheriting Duke Wai at the start of last season from retired trainer Paul O’Sullivan, Ng has started the evergreen speedster 12 times – including twice overseas – for a win and six other top-four finishes.
Duke Wai will jump from barrier two under in-form jockey Harry Bentley as he attempts to improve on his fifth placing behind Wellington in last season’s G2 Premier Bowl Handicap.
While much of the focus centres on the return bout between Victor The Winner and Lucky Sweynesse, who fought out the finish of the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) on 10 September, Frankie Lor is hopeful Adios can continue a consistent season.
One of Hong Kong’s most durable performers with four wins and three minor placings from 16 starts last season, Adios has opened the current campaign in familiar fashion.
The gelding chased home Victor The Winner and Lucky Sweynesse in the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) before failing by a neck to overhaul Stoltz in the G3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m) on 1 October.
To jump from barrier four, Adios will be ridden by Alexis Badel.
“He (Adios) is good. I think with a light weight, it should be a good race for him but this time it will be tough again against Lucky Sweynesse. It will be difficult to beat him but we try and it’s a good race for him (Adios),” Lor said.
Sunday’s (22 October) 10-race card kicks off at Sha Tin with the Class 5 Contract Bridge Handicap (1400m) at 1pm.
By Leo Schlink, HKJC
