Joao Moreira and Caspar Fownes have formed a formidable partnership, teaming up for eight winners this season, and they are poised for another significant day at Happy Valley in Hong Kong. Racing commences with a nine-race programme starting at 11.40am today, offering ample opportunities for the duo to extend their success.
Fownes' Happy Valley Advantage
Happy Valley has proven to be a highly productive venue for Caspar Fownes, the current leader in the Trainers' Championship. Out of his 49 victories this season, an impressive 35 have been achieved at this city track. This stronghold is crucial as Fownes pursues his fifth trainers' title, with jockey Joao Moreira, known as the 'Magic Man,' riding all his major contenders today.
Mark Newnham, Fownes' closest competitor, trails by just one win overall. However, Newnham has secured fewer than half of Fownes' victories at Happy Valley, highlighting the importance for Fownes to capitalise on this track advantage to maintain his championship lead.
Key Races and Contenders
Fownes is sending a strong contingent of eight gallopers into action, with several appearing as winning chances on paper. Track specialist Verbier, despite being a basement-class handicapper, looks a clear contender in the Freesia Handicap at 12.10pm over the extended mile. A favourable draw and optimal body-weight condition, similar to his last winning performance, suggest another victory, though Newnham's Soaring Bronco is also generating confidence from his yard.
In the five-furlong Heather Handicap at 2.10pm, the highly regarded Jumbo Blessing is expected to live up to his tall reputation. Meanwhile, the progressive Sky Cap, seeking a hat-trick, has solid claims in the five-furlong Kalanchoe Handicap at 2.45pm.
Newnham's Challenge and Fownes' Response
Trainer Mark Newnham saddles the fast-improving Ace War in the nine-furlong Oncidium Handicap at 3.15pm. This five-year-old, also chasing a hat-trick, is likely to be hugely popular with bettors after winning twice at the track last month without breaking sweat. Jockey Zac Purton will ride at his minimum weight for the attempt, making Ace War a tough competitor.
However, Fownes counters with SO YOU WILL, an Australian import that has been eagerly awaiting the step up to the nine-furlong trip following a series of eye-catching performances over the extended mile. Having raced only a handful of times since arriving last October, Fownes has prepared him in peak condition, and he is poised to surpass his current handicap mark.
Stable companion LOVE TOGETHER is worth considering in the six-furlong Roselle Handicap at 3.50pm. Despite disappointing in his last couple of runs, starting from gate four with Moreira taking the reins for the first time could see him return to winning form.
Pointers:
- So You Will – 3.15pm – Happy Valley
- Love Together – 3.50pm – Happy Valley
