Cummings geared up for Hong Kong debut
James Cummings will make his highly anticipated debut in Hong Kong when he saddles Day Day Victory in the Class 4 Kowloon Tong Handicap over 1000m at Happy Valley on Wednesday.
Cummings, 38, is the latest addition to Hong Kong’s training ranks after an impressive career in Australia, where he won 52 Group 1 races, worked alongside his legendary grandfather Bart Cummings, and was most recently Godolphin’s head trainer in Australia.
Cummings said: “We’re pumped up about getting started. We’re prepared to be patient because we have a stable which is really new horse heavy. So that’s going to mean that people should expect to see the strength of our stable towards the second quarter and onwards throughout the season.
“I’m really pleased with the way my horses are coming along in their training and my new horses are settling into Hong Kong well.”
Day Day Victory reappears as Cummings’ first runner after an off-season stable transfer, and Alexis Badel, who has four wins with the horse, hops back aboard on Wednesday.
“The course and distance have suited him in the past, and I can only be confident that the horse is going to run well. We haven’t drawn the best gate (No 11), but we’ll deal with it,” Badel said.
Nichola Yuen makes her own debut at Happy Valley after being granted permission to ride at the iconic inner-city course from the start of this season. Apprenticed to trainer Ricky Yiu, Yuen, 26, currently claims 10 pounds, which she hopes to take advantage of on Harmony N Blessed, who now carries 56.5kg in the Class 3 Wan Chai Handicap over 1200m.
“It’s my first time. I’m a little bit nervous, but excited and looking forward to it as well because I really want to feel the atmosphere and crowd, because everyone who comes to Hong Kong says they liked the atmosphere at Happy Valley a lot,” Yuen said.
Trained by David Hayes, 10-year-old Harmony N Blessed returns after victory last start – his 11th on his 80th appearance.
“I think he’s a very good horse. He has a lot of experience, and I am very glad that I have the chance to sit on him. Hopefully, he can give me a good ride. It’s a tricky gate (No 11), but I do believe in him,” Yuen said.
Happy Valley’s first fixture marks the beginning of the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge, which runs until 17 February. The competition is for horses racing in Class 3 and above, with points awarded for first, second, third and fourth place finishes.
A first-up win for Harmony N Blessed nets 15 points in the HK$1.5 million competition.
Four-year-old Motor has won three of his past five appearances, and jockey Karis Teetan is predicting further advancement when the bay returns in the Wan Chai Handicap.
“He impressed me last time with that win. He’s a horse that’s taken every little bit of pressure (trainer) Cody (Mo) has put on him and he’s taken it well,” Teetan said.
“He’s been so consistent, but I’m looking forward to seeing where he will end up from here because I believe that he was a young horse last season and when they get older, they should improve.”
Mark Newnham believes Robot Lucky Star can return to Class 3 soon enough as the sprinter takes aim at the Class 4 Tsim Sha Tsui Handicap over 1200m under Zac Purton.
“He’s starting fit and well this season. He’s had a good preparation for it, and he’s a horse who has displayed above average ability. I think he’s probably better than a Class 4 horse,” Newnham said. “He’s trialled nicely down the straight, Zac’s happy with him and he’s drawn an inside gate (No 2).” – Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Autumn Vibes had excuses last start and should find this field more manageable on his return to Happy Valley, especially with Purton aboard. Always Fluke has been knocking on the door and should win in this grade very soon. Telecom Power found the line strongly despite encountering traffic last start, and the drop back in distance works in his favour. Stormy Knight is expected to show improvement on his Class 5 debut against weaker opposition. Noble Fans scored at long odds last start and has drawn well to repeat that effort if the form holds up.
Race 2: Precision Hope his recent efforts have been encouraging, suggesting he is edging closer to a win. Mighty Steed suited by the return to Happy Valley, and the booking of Purton ticks another box. Casa Rochester possesses a strong turn of foot and can make his presence felt late if the pace suits. Sturdy Ruby a veteran galloper, he appears to be on a winnable mark and should not be overlooked. Fire- foot with his versatile racing style, he is well weighted in this field and could be hard to run down if allowed to dictate.
Race 3: Lean Master won a recent trial in fine style and looks ready to produce a bold showing dropping to Class 5 with Nichola Yuen’s 10lb claim. Lakeshore Hero stormed home for second in a slowly run race last start and looks one to follow with Purton staying aboard. Swagger Bro has honest Class 4 form and should be right in the mix with the drop in class. Macanese Master a consistent per- former in the cellar grade, he warrants inclusion in the exotics. Vigor Elleegant boasts a 50% strike rate in this class and should run well if his breathing issues don’t recur.
Race 4: Sunday’s Serenade comes off a fast-finishing second at Sha Tin, and the return to the city circuit, where both his career wins have occurred, looks a big plus. Sky Deep the inside draw suits his positive racing style; expect a strong on-pace showing with a claimer aboard. Shamz caused a big upset last start and has drawn well to repeat that effort despite the weight rise. Shooting To Top was narrowly beaten last start but has to cope with another wide draw. The Lion King may lack consistency but has ability, and could surprise at odds with a light weight on his back.
Race 5: Violet Star caught the eye flashing home last start while the form of his recent trial has held up well. China Win has trialled well for his return and his previous form suggests he should be highly competitive in this field. Do Your Part an in-form frontrunner, he had genuine excuses last start and deserves another chance. Solid Win was far from disgraced last start and could surprise at odds on his day. Fortunate Son well placed at the weights and should enjoy a smooth trip from a low draw and go close to winning.
Race 6: Beauty Show looks overdue for a maiden win and shapes as a leading contender in this open contest. Jumbo Blessing stormed home for a brilliant win last start and remains a strong chance from a favourable draw. Harmony Fire one of the standouts on collateral form, he looks poised to deliver a strong performance with a 7lb claimer aboard. Georgian Sigma a four-time placegetter from six starts, he has shown ability and looks suited by the drop back to 1000m. Blue Illusion will relish the drop in class and appears ideally weighted with the apprentice claim to run an improved race.
Race 7: Robot Lucky Star resumes off an impressive trial and looks primed to secure his second career win dropping to Class 4. Leading Dragon possesses tactical speed and could be hard to run down if left alone up front. Forza Leader flashed home late into second from a wide draw last start and, with a better gate, looks well placed to go one better. Forerunner has regained form but the wide draw and big weight pose a challenge. Good Luck Happy has shown ability and should produce an improved effort with a more favourable jockey booking.
Race 8: Tycoon Resources had genuine vet excuses last start at Sha Tin when suffering his first defeat, and looks primed to bounce back on his return to Happy Valley. Tang Heart has placed twice from three local starts and should be highly competitive on his Happy Valley debut. Aurio has proven form in this class, though it will take a good steer from Purton to overcome the wide draw. Motor ended his last season with an impressive win at Sha Tin, and a cross-seasonal double looks within reach. Power Koepp an evergreen sprinter, he is worth considering as a value choice.