Exciting Le Zonda stands out at Happy Valley

Le Zonda made a big impression near the end of last season, and Pierre Ng’s exciting Irish import makes his reappearance on Wednesday in a high-quality HK$3.12 million Class 2 Shek O Handicap over 1650m at Happy Valley.

After soaring from last-to-first in both June and July, Le Zonda resumes bidding for a hat-trick under Vincent Ho, who last week slotted a treble and hopes there is plenty more to come from the four-year-old gelding this campaign.

Ho said: “He’s a quality horse. Hopefully, he keeps improving this season and we can get into some Group races. I have to sweat a lot, but it’s worth doing (the weight) for him.”

Assigned barrier No 4, Le Zonda faces Speed Dragon, Massive Sovereign, Sagacious Life, Helene Feeling, Huge Wave, Packing Angel, Silvery Breeze, Max Que, Californiatotality, Awesome Fluke and Armor Golden Eagle.

“I was confident he could win again last season and, of course, with the handicap it helps him. Hopefully, his form is there and he should perform really well,” Ho said.

Formerly with Ger Lyons, Le Zonda won pre-import at the Curragh and Naas when he was known as Beckman. He has scored two wins in Hong Kong from eight starts, both times by making significant ground over 1800m at Happy Valley.

“He doesn’t need to settle that far back or last. We don’t have to be as far from a decent draw because he just needs to relax and switch off; he has a great turn of foot,” Ho said.

2024 Hong Kong Derby winner Massive Sovereign and Sagacious Life are the only two horses in the card-closer yet to secure a win at Happy Valley.

Armor Golden Eagle made five starts at Happy Valley last season, winning three times, and links with Andrea Atzeni this time.

“He likes the course and I’m looking forward to getting back on him. We always thought he was above average and it was just a matter of time. Physically, he was just a little bit weak and mentally, he was a little immature,” Atzeni said.

“It took time, but we knew the ability was there once he put it together. He showed that last season when he won his first race and it wasn’t a fluke because he’s won two since.”

Rosewood Fleetfoot comes back in trip after victories over 2200m when he reunites with Karis Teetan in the Class 4 Big Wave Bay Handicap over 1800m.

“He had a nice last season – those two wins were very good. I feel like he built a bit of confidence after his (first) win and it’s going to be interesting now over 1800m.

“He has preferred longer distances, but he is a bit fresh after his holiday. I sat on him yesterday (Monday) and he actually felt really nice,” Teetan said.

Dazzling Fit makes his Happy Valley debut in the Class 3 Chung Hom Kok Handicap over 1650m, after contesting last term’s Four-Year-Old Classic Series.

Trainer David Eustace, who has a win already this season, said: “I was keen to give him a good break after what was a pretty strenuous four-year-old campaign. He’s ‘prepped’ up really smoothly. I just thought as a five-year-old they need to be a bit more versatile and adaptable to tracks.”

Zac Purton partners Dazzling Fit from barrier No 1. The nine-time champion jockey was aboard Jimmy Ting’s Group 3 winner Little Paradise, who trialled on the dirt at Sha Tin on Monday morning in 1m 11.21s over 1200m. – Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Runjeet comes off a solid first-up effort at Sha Tin and should be right in the mix from a good draw with added fitness. Sweet Briar sees Class 5 for the first time and may have an edge over his rivals. Spicy Spangle slow to begin last start and should be highly competitive with a clean getaway, given his strong previous form. Diriya resumes off an impressive trial and appears to be on an advantageous mark. Iconical should enjoy a smooth trip from pole position, and a top-three finish wouldn’t surprise.

Race 2: Dan Attack made the running and stuck on gamely for second in a fast-run race last start. He could be hard to run down with a well-timed ride. Loving Vibes an in-form frontrunner, though he may need to spend some petrol to find the lead from the wide draw. Bright Day possesses tactical versatility and must be considered a strong contender from a favourable draw. Holmes A Court made all with blinkers back on last start, and a double looks within reach if he can repeat that effort. California Bay has trialled well for his return and is expected to show improvement first-up.

Race 3: In what appears to be an open contest, Noisy Boy is well below his last winning mark, and the booking of Purton adds ap- peal, though the wide draw and top weight remain concerns. Star Brose narrowly missed at Sha Tin last start and should make his presence felt again under a light weight. Rosewood Fleetfoot comes off a Class 5 double and remains a strong chance despite the rise in class. Romantic Fantasy has finally drawn a good gate and should map closer to the speed and figure in the finish. Ocean Impact has mixed form but could surprise at long odds on his day.

Race 4: Giant Leap well placed with the apprentice claim, he looks a good chance for Nichola Yuen to open her winning account at Happy Valley. Kwai Chung Talents finished a close third over this track and distance last time out and is edging closer to a win. Starry Show caused an upset, albeit in fine style, last start and should get every chance to do it again from a low draw. Live Wire comes off a narrow last-start win and looks capable of securing a double with Purton staying aboard despite the weight rise. Friends Of Shajing should produce an improved effort after dropping to Class 4 for the first time.

Race 5: Young Arrow caught wide but still finished a close third last start and, from a better draw, can make amends with Purton aboard. Genius Baby has been in consistent form and must be included in the exotics. Armour War Eagle with the drop in the ratings, he is well placed in this Class 4 field and commands respect. Lucky Mcqueen a proven performer in this class, he has drawn well and looks capable of completing a double. Elegant Life trialled well recently and should not be overlooked, though the awkward draw poses a challenge.

Race 6: Dazzling Fit was far from disgraced in the 4YO series and shapes as a leading contender on his return to Class 3. Romantic Gladiator has been in career-best form and should play a key role following a close second over this track and distance. Pope Cody flashed home into second last start and looks one to follow. Viva Graciousness nearing his last winning mark, he has drawn well and is worth considering as a value pick. Refusetobeenglish caught the eye running home strongly from a wide draw last time out and should run well if he handles the rise to 1650m.

Race 7: Dancing Classics defied a wide trip to score an impressive win last start and looks poised to secure a Class 3 double from a low draw. Horsepower likes to get back and charge home; can make a strong late surge if they overcook it up front. Love Together scored a tenacious win last time out and remains a chance despite carrying top weight. Parents’ Love has tactical speed and may sneak into the placings at odds. Candlelight Dinner will give them something to catch if allowed to cut across early from a wide draw.

Race 8: Max Que boasts a strong track/distance record and should build on his solid first-up effort at Sha Tin with added fitness. Massive Sovereign found the line well in a recent trial and is expected to show improvement dropping to Class 2. Le Zonda possesses an explosive turn of foot and looks well weighted to complete a hat-trick. Speed Dragon usually performs well in this class but may be nearing his rating ceiling. Sagacious Life has ability and could cause an upset in this lineup if he doesn’t have any lingering breathing issues.