Sha Tin – Sunday, 17 December 2023
Race 6 – Class 4 – 1400m
Endeared
For the third consecutive time this season, this youngster trained by John Size found himself starting from a wide gate (14), having previously drawn stall 13 two times running. In Sunday’s race, he once again caught the eye with a fast-finishing second place to Jumbo Fortune, who started from barrier 1 and had all the favours.
Both horses were in touch early, within 3.25 lengths of the lead speed at the 1200m mark. But Jumbo Fortune, with the aid of pole position, managed to improve his position, trailing 1.25 lengths behind the lead speed by the 400m. In contrast, Endeared was ridden for luck and gave ground, positioned eight and four lengths astern at the 800m and 400m marks, respectively, yet closed the gap to just 0.75 lengths at the wire. Given the right gate draw and provided he jumps well, Endeared should be breaking his local duck soon.
Pierre Ng extends his trainers' championship lead to 11 as Jumbo Fortune scores a long-awaited first win in Hong Kong under @KarisTeetan… 💪 #HKracing pic.twitter.com/I2S92QRldU
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 17, 2023
From the same race, seventh place-getter High Percentage could be one to follow after a change of tactics. The Benno Yung-trained four-year-old was in blinkers for the first time and had barrier 10 to navigate. For the first time in his eight-start career, he was in unfamiliar territory on the lead while the first two sections of the race were inside standard. He led until approaching the 150m but was gassed by the 100m, beaten by five lengths. He’s looked better ridden with patience and we think they will revert to those tactics next start which will spark improvement.
Race 9 – Class 3 – 1600m
Master Of Fortune
Let’s delve into the context behind the 11th place finish of this second-favourite. According to the stewards’ report: the Stewards conducted an inquiry to ascertain whether MASTER OF FORTUNE had been denied a fair start. After taking evidence from Z Purton and Mr A Speechley, Starter, the Stewards found that whilst being assisted by a starting gate handler MASTER OF FORTUNE reared simultaneously as the start was effected which resulted in MASTER OF FORTUNE losing significant ground.
Speed Dragon goes right over the top! 🔥 J-Mac and Francis Lui combine with the New Zealand import, who secures a first win in Hong Kong at his third start… @mcacajamez | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/8ZFsiBopRb
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 17, 2023
This ended Master Of Fortune’s chances, facing an almost insurmountable 13.5-length deficit to make up on the lead speed from the 1200m mark, and trailing by 7.75 lengths behind the eventual winner, Speed Dragon (who could be on a Four-Year-Old Classic Series path after Sunday’s win). Considering this, the fact that he was only beaten by 4.5 lengths is impressive.
