Prolific winner Hong Lok Golf (124lb) faces his biggest test to date in Wednesday’s (14 January) HK$4.2 million G3 January Cup Handicap (1800m), and trainer Chris So is optimistic the seven-time victor can elevate his game to yet another level.
Hong Lok Golf is the January Cup’s least experienced galloper. Having kicked off his career rated 52 in late 2024, the five-year-old has surged to a mark of 102 across 10 starts as he takes aim at 11 rivals in Happy Valley’s sole Group race.
Raced by Jackie Wong, Hong Lok Golf steps from barrier eight under Harry Bentley when he makes his first appearance in the grade and over tomorrow night’s distance.
“I spoke to the owner Mr Wong, and while he is a miler, we don’t have many options for him, especially as his rating is over 100,” So said.
“We have to challenge him over different distances. He handles everything, but we don’t know how he will handle 1800 metres. I want to win the race, not just handle it. He handled Happy Valley last year. Let’s see how he performs.”
Hong Lok Golf has won once at the city circuit. He faces Beauty Joy (135lb), Chancheng Glory (131lb), Moments In Time (128lb), last year’s winner Helene Feeling (125lb), Ensued (124lb), Encountered (123lb), Speed Dragon (115lb), Kaholo Angel (115lb), Huge Wave (115lb), Awesome Fluke (115lb) and Winning Wing (115lb).
Trainer Francis Lui saddles Chancheng Glory, Speed Dragon and Winning Wing in search of a second January Cup after Doctor Geoff’s win in 2020.
A Group 3 winner over 1800m, six-year-old Chancheng Glory has won eight times ahead of his first attempt at conquering Happy Valley’s unique contours.
“He’s an honest horse. I think this is his type of race – it’s his level. He trialled well, and Maxime Guyon knows him. He’s consistent, and in South Korea he performed,” Lui said.
Winning Wing slots in under Dylan Mo. The five-year-old, who has given away big margins during his races, seeks a third win this term.
Lui said: “He’s OK – he has a light weight, and I think he can perform with a light weight; it’s a big help, and he’s an honest horse, too.”
Regarding Speed Dragon, Lui said: “He’s good at Happy Valley, and I hope the handicap helps him.”
Jimmy Ting, trainer of Huge Wave, said: “This horse is funny because he is improving with age as a six-year-old and even at the end of last season – it’s amazing. He was so-so over 1800 metres last time, but we can ride him quieter. Hopefully he can run well.”
The HK$2.84 million Class 2 Cannes Handicap (1200m) tops the undercard, where Mark Newnham is represented by Crimson Flash (121lb) and Youthful Spirits (122lb).
Emerging four-year-old Crimson Flash was crowded last start but goes for a fourth win tomorrow night when he makes his 10th start in Hong Kong.
“He didn’t have much luck the other day. He just got bottled away in a slowly run race. He didn’t really get a lot of clear room. He’s a good Happy Valley horse, and I think he’s capable in Class 2. It’s a good opportunity for him to get another win,” Newnham said.
Youthful Spirits chases a first 1200m win after twice prevailing over 1000m.
“He hasn’t won beyond 1000 metres, but there are limited races for him. I’ve put a hood on. Let’s see if that helps him settle a bit. He’s a fast horse and he’ll run it his usual style, whether he’s good enough to hang on at 1200m. Well, we’ll wait and see,” Newnham said.
So hopes The Boom Box (135lb) can bounce back in the Class 3 APM Monaco Cup Handicap (1650m). He said: “I still think he can handle the 1800 (metres), but last time he was very disappointing over it, so we’ve come back.”
Perfectday (123lb) goes for a hat-trick in the Class 3 Saint Tropez Handicap (1200m).
So said: “He’s in good form. You can’t tell much about him, whether he’s improved or not, but he’s an honest horse, and his last win was amazing. I hope he runs a good race.”
Wednesday’s (14 January) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley begins at 6.35pm with the Class 5 Meteorites Handicap (1200m).
By Declan Schuster
