James Orman has hit the ground running in Hong Kong and the Australian heads to Happy Valley on Wednesday night (5 March) armed with seven mounts including last-start winner Turin Warrior in the Class 4 Sichuan Bipenggou Tourist Attractions Handicap (1650m).
Orman, 27, has made an immediate impact with two wins from six rides on a short-term contract which runs until after the race meeting on 2 April. The in-demand jockey is eyeing more momentum at the city circuit as he aims to capitalise on his biggest book of rides yet.
“I’ve got to thank Ricky Yiu’s team for the support they have given me early and now things are starting to pick up for me. You come here, start at the bottom and work your way up through the ladder, so that’s what I’m planning to do,” Orman said.
“I’m here to work hard and I’m really enjoying my time so far – I love it.”
A winner of more than 1,300 races with experience competing in Australia and the United Arab Emirates, Orman has won the past three Queensland riding titles – including with 197 wins in 2022/23 – and partners King Glorioso, Magic Beans, Prime Mortar, S J Tourbillon, Mighty Commander and Seasons Wit along with Turin Warrior at the midweek programme.
“He (Turin Warrior) gave me a great feel in the trial. It’s a good pick up from Manfred Man’s stable. He trialled up really nice in the same trial as My Wish – so the trial form is good.
“He’s a horse who usually sits off the speed but there looks to be a good tempo, obviously at Happy Valley there’s always a good tempo. He’s won two of his last three so his form is right there,” Orman said.
The skilled Orman’s first two triumphs in Hong Kong came atop Charming Babe and The Concentration – both for trainer Ricky Yiu – at the most recent two fixtures. Drawn in barrier three, Turin Warrior has won twice this season over tomorrow night’s course and distance.
“He’s a really fit horse and as Manfred said he was ‘just ticking over in his trackwork’ – he wasn’t out do a lot,” Orman said.
Mighty Commander (121lb) features with Orman in the Class 3 Kwoon Chung Bus 60th Anniversary Cup Handicap (1200m) against Young Emperor (133lb), Nordic Dragon (128lb), Francis Meynell (127lb), Sunny Da Best (126lb), Golden Empire (125lb), Romantic Son (125lb), Tai Victory (123lb), Beauty Infinity (122lb) and Capital Legend (120lb).
British ace Ryan Moore concludes his short-term contract tomorrow night with nine rides at the Valley, pairing with Smashing Express, Bowser, Glorious Success, Endued, Golden Rise, Beauty Alliance, Sunny Da Best, Happy Daily and A Americ Te Specso.
Two-time winner Sunny Da Best is owned by Matthew Wong BBS, Chairman and founder of Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited. Trained by Chris So, the four-year-old debuts at Happy Valley this week having trialled there once previously for second last October.
“It’s my owner’s sponsorship night. I hope he (Sunny Da Best) performs,” So said. “I think he will be suited there (Happy Valley). The pace should be faster in the early stages and he will come home strong.
“He’s a nice horse. Early in the season he was a bit disappointing over 1400 (metres). We’ve brought him back to 1200 and he’s performed well.”
Wong also owned Group 2 winner Not Listenin’tome, 2006 Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) winner Sunny Sing and the quality Sunny King. He was also syndicate manager of star galloper Collection, while daughter Janice Wong currently owns Super Sunny Sing.
Wednesday’s (5 March) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Kwoon Chung Motors Handicap (2200m).
By Declan Schuster
