Firefoot can scorch rivals on way to first Hong Kong win
THERE is little doubt finding winners at the city track today will need plenty of patience and a thorough inspection of the form book to have any chance of success.
Many of the gallopers lining up have run against each other umpteen times and it could be a case of whose turn it is to win this time.
With no stand-out performers on the card, it is likely there could be one or two surprise results along the way and it may be worth looking away from the obvious.
For example, the Mesia Handicap (1.10pm) over the extended mile sees the likes of winner Take Action, runner-up Ninja Derby, and third-placed Study Ruby, renew rivalry after their course-and-distance performance three weeks ago.
Ninja Derby will be the obvious choice being three pounds better off for a nose defeat, but Take Action still looks to be improving, while Study Ruby was given a lot to do in that contest and has drawn the ideal gate in one.
Lower down in the handicap, trainer Chris So, who’s stable continue to fire in winners at a regular basis, saddles improving FIREFOOT who looks close to a win on just his sixth run in the city.
There was lots to like about his latest performance last month when stepping up on previous form in his first attempt over the extended mile and chasing home Lucky Touch.
That form reads well, and Keith Yeung’s mount looks to have taken another step forward after an eye-catching trial recently.
He is likely to go off at attractive odds against his three main rivals and makes plenty of appeal.
POINTERS
Firefoot e/w 1.10pm Happy Valley
J-Mac and Yiu Simply the go-to pairing at the Valley
FOLLOWING all the drama and razzmatazz associated with international racing in Hong Kong last week, it is back to Happy Valley today for another fiendishly difficult and competitive nine-race programme starting at 10.40am.
Trainer Ricky Yiu certainly endeared himself to the majority of the 70,000 spectators at Sha Tin on Sunday, saddling well-backed and popular Voyage Bubble, with James McDonald aboard, to victory in the Group One Hong Kong Mile.
World’s best jockey McDonald has been the centre of attention for owners and trainers during his short-term contract in the city.
Yiu has only combined sparingly with J-Mac, but still has impressive figures with three wins from just five rides.
The partnership link up with top-weight SIMPLY MAVERICK who looks ready to strike in the Sea Eagle Handicap (2.50pm) over the extended mile.
The former three-time course-and-distance winner hasn’t been at his best so far this season, despite a couple of encouraging efforts, but his track work in the last couple of weeks suggests he is now in prime condition.
McDonald teamed up with the five-year-old on his last start, when the son of Sebring was noted making good late headway from an uncompromising position turning into the straight, having missed the start.
This time from the favoured inside gate one, he should be in a prominent position from the off and then use his impressive finishing-kick to good effect in the closing stages.
Ricky Yiu may have already visited the winners’ circle earlier on the card when he saddles another top-weight in BOWSER in division one of the Albatross Handicap (11.40am) over six furlongs.
The Australian-bred galloper pulled too hard for his own good in the early stages of the race when third behind Street Conqueror over the course and distance last month.
The four-year-old was still staying on strongly in the closing stages, however, and was closing fast on the front two at the finish.
Brenton Avdulla takes over in the saddle, and with the early pace expected to be quick with renowned front-runner Spicy So Smart in the line-up, he should enjoy a comfortable journey throughout before going for glory in the closing stages.
The McDonald-ridden Telecom Dragon, and course-and-distance specialist Kokushi Musou, look the principal threats and are worth including in any exotic wagers.
In division two of the Albatross Handicap (12.10pm) over six furlongs, last start winner Fatal Blow and the consistent Affirm will probably dominate the market, with their recent form the best on view.
It may be worth keeping a close-eye on fast-improving Bits Superstar, whose recent form figures, although dreadful, have improved dramatically in the past month judged on recent trial form.
The Pierre Ng-trained four-year-old, who was a winner in Australia before being shipped to his new home, looks to have some fair ability and is worth keeping on side, especially if there is any market support for him.
POINTERS
Bowser 11.40am Happy Valley
Simply Maverick 2.50pm Happy Valley
Starmer’s ‘tax-take’ Britain will see us take a back seat in the looming tech revolution
Starmer’s tax hikes and half-baked policy aims are squeezing the last drop of entrepreneurial zeal Britain has, just as the world embarks on the greatest technological revolution for two centuries, warns billionaire tech VC and philanthropist Tej Kohli.
The Prime Minister’s refusal to rule out further tax hikes on top of those he’s already imposed is killing off investor confidence and making his ambition for the fastest growth in the G7 little more than a pipe dream.
This waning confidence comes at a time when the globe is on the cusp of the single greatest transformation in a generation. A technological revolution that will transform every aspect of our lives.
Artificial intelligence is one example. The AI industry will soon be worth $15 trillion and will grow exponentially. Script-based AI solutions, such as ChatGPT, offer a mere glimpse of the technology’s true potential.
The next major milestone is interpreting and acting upon visual data, known as spatial intelligence. AI can now understand emotions, actions and intentions and respond accordingly. This ‘sight-to-action’ technology is crucial for autonomous vehicles and the use of robots to take on everyday human activities.
The key question is what role Britain will play in this revolution. The answer hinges upon a rediscovery of the values that have brought it prosperity.
For two centuries, this country’s economic fortunes have rested upon a hunger to innovate, take risks, encourage free enterprise, embrace technology and reward success. It was these qualities that drove its industrial revolution. Indeed, it was these values that convinced me to move here in 2006 and to invest over £100m in artificial intelligence, e-sports, genomics, robotics, and biotech.
But, when I look at Britain today, I don’t see the same hunger, the same drive I once did. Many workers have become too complacent, too apathetic. They see work as merely a means to survive rather than an opportunity to thrive. Wealth creation is no longer celebrated as a mark of success, but instead viewed with suspicion.
Encourage Investment in Emerging Tech Industries
The Chancellor’s recent Budget is just one example. Scrapping the non-dom status deters wealth creators, investors, and innovators from moving to the UK, while making it harder for those already here to remain. These are the very individuals Britain needs to attract to invest in the UK’s tech sector and to enable it to leap-frog the US and China.
Instead, the Government appears transfixed on the continued expansion of the public sector.
The UK is in desperate need of investment. In 24 of the last 30 years, Britain has ranked bottom in investment among G7 countries. Without investment, businesses cannot innovate and the economy cannot grow.
In emerging tech industries, everyday I see the constraints this brings. Simple measures, however, can help the UK get ahead.
First, it’s far too difficult to get investors and top talent into the UK. The government should streamline visa processes by simplifying visa requirements for investors and skilled professionals to enable them to move to the UK and bolster industries led by technology.
Offering targeted tax breaks for companies investing in emerging technologies would also help. Enhanced research and development tax credits can encourage innovation, while capital gains tax relief for investors can attract funding into these sectors.
Too many of the best minds at Britain’s universities remain stuck in academia rather than translating their knowledge and understanding into practical ideas and innovations that will change our world and drive our economy. Creating incentives for businesses to partner with universities, offering funding for research tied directly to commercial applications, while establishing paid internships, co-op programs and startup incubators to funnel top graduates into industry roles will make a big difference.
When I look at Britain today, I don’t see the same hunger, the same drive I once did. Many workers have become too complacent, too apathetic
We should also expand digital and entrepreneurial skills development in schools and universities. Creating pathways for students to transition directly into industry with government-backed tech apprenticeships and training programs is one avenue.
Also essential for a successful tech industry is infrastructure that invites novelty and progress. The government should provide more funding for training facilities, events, and hubs across the UK. It should also support grassroots initiatives to develop homegrown talent and position the UK as a global tech innovation hub. We must emulate Station F in Paris, a unique campus and incubator community with 1,000 startups, and programs to teach and train entrepreneurs and their teams.
The government must also expand its existing enterprise zones that offer reduced regulatory burdens and financial incentives for tech startups.
Lastly, funding is crucial. Establishing public-private investment funds to support high-potential tech companies and simplifying access to financing for startups through grants, venture capital partnerships, and loan schemes would go a long way to realising the investment that emerging industries and the British economy urgently needs.
These measures would go some way to attract foreign capital, retain top domestic talent, and accelerate the UK’s position as a leader in emerging technologies and go some way to achieving the lofty ambition of the fastest growth in the G7.
Britain can still play a key part in the massive tech revolution that is sweeping the globe and that will shape at least the next two centuries, but to do so it needs to create an environment that welcomes investment and doesn’t drive it away. Taxing our way to prosperity has never worked. Instead, we need a bold approach that signals to the world that Britain is open for business.
Tej Kohli is an investor and philanthropist
Purton sees a Champion in Johannes Brahms
TRUSTING horses not to repeat recent disappointing performances, can be a quick road to the ‘poor house’ but there is every reason to be believe YOUNG CHAMPION is ready to bounce back to form in the Highland Reel Handicap (10.00am) over seven furlongs.
An expensive purchase from Johnny Murtagh’s stable, after winning at Leopardstown last year, this son of Zoustar quickly went some way in repaying the faith by his connections when winning twice in his new surroundings earlier this year.
It has not been plain sailing since, with the four-year-old slow to come to hand after the summer break, and then after an encouraging performance over seven furlongs last month subsequently failing to fire when strongly fancied in the Class Two Chevalier Cup over a mile a fortnight later.
Pulling too hard for his own good throughout that contest he quickly ran out of fuel down the home straight, much to the disappointment of the stable.
Trainer John Size drops him down in trip again, and with a quicker early pace likely, Young Champion should enjoy a much more comfortable journey.
Size still believes he is capable of taking his place in the Four-Year-Old Classic Series early next year, and off his present attractive handicap mark can compensate his supporters for that recent set-back.
The Maurice Handicap (9.20am) over seven furlongs, sees the reappearance of two exciting prospects, JOHANNES BRAHMS and Charming Legend, who both caught the eye on their recent debuts last month.
Johannes Brahms, a former inmate of Aidan O’Brien’s stable and placed twice in Listed and Group class in England, produced an encouraging performance when finishing third over the course and distance three weeks back.
That run can be upgraded as he came from the outside gate and had to work too hard in the early stages of the contest.
Charming Legend, unbeaten twice in Australia, always looked the winner down the home straight a fortnight ago and is bound to improve further.
Champion jockey Zac Purton rode both gallopers on their debuts and opts for Johannes Brahms, so the hint is surely worth taking.
POINTERS
Johannes Brahms 9.20am Sha Tin
Young Champion 10.00am Sha Tin
Rivals will struggle to burst Voyage’s Bubble in Hong Kong Mile
IT IS that time of the year again, when Hong Kong takes centre-stage in the world of horse racing.
Four Group One races – worth a staggering £12.6 million in prize money – are the main attractions on a 10-race programme, featuring some of the best gallopers on the planet.
The city has been gripped by racing fever for the past week, with unrelenting media, TV coverage and advertising plastered all over the town.
With taxi drivers, market stall holders and waiters constantly asking for a winner, you can guarantee the city will come to a halt during the action.
There is no doubt Ka Ying Rising will be the favourite horse amongst the locals when he seeks immortality in the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (6.50am) over six furlongs.
The David Hayes-trained galloper, and winner of eight of his 10 races, smashed an 18-year-old track record last month when not breaking a sweat.
He is certain to start at prohibitive odds, however, and maybe Japanese raider Lugal, winner of the Group One Sprinters’ Stakes in September is worth including in forecasts.
The LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (8.00am) is a much more open affair, with a handful of contenders including Antino, Lazzat and Jantar Mantar making the shortlist.
Best advice is to side with VOYAGE BUBBLE, runner-up to legendary Golden Sixty in this race last year, and in his jockey James McDonald’s own words, an improved horse this season.
Soul Rush looks the principle threat having warmed up for this event with an impressive win in the Group One Mile Championship last month.
There will be some long faces if popular galloper Romantic Warrior does not win the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (8.40am) over 10 furlongs.
The six-year-old will be short odds to make history by winning the £4 million contest three times in a row.
Standing in his way are the Japanese duo, Liberty Island and Tastiera, who are both strongly fancied by connections. Especially the former who is reckoned to be back to her best.
The LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (6.10am) over a mile-and-a-half makes limited appeal for bettors, but is still a must-see spectacle.
POINTERS
Voyage Bubble 8.00am Sha Tin
McDonald has a Smart chance of success aboard Fighter
JAMES McDonald is probably going to need a large slice of luck if he is to win his first International Jockeys’ Championship title.
Officially the world’s best jockey cannot count on any of his four gallopers being at the forefront of the betting, although Chateauneuf from the David Hayes stable does hold strong claims in the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship 4th Leg (2.10pm) over six furlongs.
The son of Fastnet Rock has however, proved a moody customer in the past despite winning over the course and distance in October and will need to be at his best to beat the likes of Super Joy N Fun and the Ryan Moore-ridden Lucky Eight.
McDonald, however, should not leave the meeting empty-handed when he climbs aboard well-handicapped SMART FIGHTER, who gets his chance to successfully follow up a course and distance triumph back in October, in the Ireland Handicap (1.10pm) over six furlongs.
The five-year-old gelding has proved a model of consistency this season and looked particularly good when withstanding a strong late challenge from Tactical Command and company, after having to work hard from the front.
McDonald has already struck early in his short-term contract in the city, with an impressive strike rate of seven wins and 10 places from just 40 rides.
With Ricky Yiu’s stable in good form, and Smart Fighter coming from the favoured one gate, everything looks in place for McDonald to further add to his winning tally.
Opposition looks thin on the ground with Excellent Peers, Masterofmyuniverse and Team Happy worth including in forecasts with the selection.
POINTERS
Smart Fighter 1.10pm Happy Valley
Purton set to have the Lucky Touch on Cruz’s Stunning Peach
IT’S SHOWTIME at Happy Valley in Hong Kong today, when a dozen of the world’s best jockeys head into battle for the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship award.
With four allotted races worth around HK$750,000 (£75,000) each in prize money, and the top jockey who gains the highest number of points during the four-race contest picking up a HK$500,000 cheque, you can guarantee competition will be fierce with no quarter given.
The likes of Zac Purton and Hugh Bowman will spearhead local interest, while Ryan Moore, William Buick and recently crowned ‘World’s Best Jockey’ James McDonald are just a few of the iconic names in opposition.
It is no wonder the city track will be packed to the rafters for this spectacular and exciting programme.
Leading Hong Kong pilot Purton is well on his way to surpassing Douglas Whyte’s record of 1,813 victories as the winning-most jockey in the city and should enjoy further success at the meeting, starting with LUCKY TOUCH who seeks to successfully follow up a recent course and distance victory in the Great Britain Handicap (11.30am) over the extended mile.
The Jamie Richards-trained four-year-old was slow to acclimatise to his new surroundings last season after being shipped in from New Zealand.
He did, however, show some signs of ability at Sha Tin and following the summer break in July, returned a much more mature galloper.
Making his first appearance at the Valley last month, he could be called the winner from some way out and Purton needed only the minimum of effort to steer him home to a convincing success.
In what looks an average contest, that is the best form on view, and he should be hard to beat despite his seven-pound penalty.
The Zac-Man could strike again later in the card when he jumps aboard the Tony Cruz-trained STUNNING PEACH in the Japan Handicap (2.55pm) over nine furlongs.
This former Joseph O’Brien-trained gelding, known as Islandsinthestream when a dual winner in Ireland, has always been held in high regard by the Cruz stable who believe he could turn into a leading HK Derby contender next March.
Purton also believes the son of leading sire Wootton Bassett has a big engine and has ridden him in all four races and sat on him in numerous trials.
The partnership has already won over the distance at Sha Tin, and although this will be his first sighting of the tight Happy Valley circuit, he looks the ideal type to excel around the sharp bends.
The opposition are strong with former course and distance winners, Moments In Time, Chill Chibi and Flamingo Trillion lining up, while Karma, Red Hare King and Turin Mascot, are entitled to go close on their best form.
In what looks a tightly knit handicap, on form the progressive Stunning Peach could have a few pounds in hand of his rivals and offers some value.
POINTERS
Lucky Touch 11.30am Happy Valley
Stunning Peach 2.55pm Happy Valley
Newnham’s Wish to be his command at Sha Tin
A 10-RACE programme at Sha Tin in Hong Kong this Sunday will serve as a tasty hors d’oeuvre for next week’s international racing in the city.
With half the card on the all-weather surface and the rest of the action on the ‘C+3’ course –measuring just over 18 metres in width – bettors need to find quick-starting gallopers, or they could be in trouble.
The Mark Newnham-trained MY WISH rates as the best selection on the card when he lines up in the Salisbury Handicap (9.50 am) over seven furlongs.
This highly progressive galloper is at the peak of his powers at present, having won two of his three races this season and produced an impressive front-running display when fending off challengers over the course and distance earlier this month.
That form was given a major boost when runner-up Sky Trust proved far too good for his opposition at Sha Tin a week ago.
At first glance, a double figure draw in stall 13 is a worry, but this son of Flying Artie is renowned for breaking quickly from the gates and should soon be dictating the early speed at the head of affairs.
The opposition does not look overly strong, with the hat-trick-seeking Steps Ahead still looking in front of the handicapper despite his recent penalty, and Huge Wave, better than his recent form suggests, providing the principal threats.
Earlier in the programme, the Mody Handicap (8.40 am) over the extended mile on the all-weather surface is a real head-scratcher for form book students.
Exciting Talents Ambition was not expected to break sweat but ended up costing his supporters a fortune when beaten on the surface in October, and his recent trial hasn’t impressed all work-watchers.
Leading trainer Pierre Ng sets a poser by saddling four of the 13 contenders in the contest, and all have strong claims.
The fact that jockey Zac Purton stays loyal to FIGHTING MACHINE, who has finally drawn a good gate after running well in defeat, indicates he is the stable choice.
Keep an eye on long-shot JOLLY RULER, a previous winner on the surface, who is dangerously well-treated at his best and capable of outrunning his odds.
POINTERS
Fighting Machine 8.40am Sha Tin
Jolly Ruler (e/w) 8.40am Sha Tin
My Wish 9.50am Sha Tin
Sing Dragon to hit the right notes in Golden Jubilee
SUNDAY’s feature race on the Sha Tin programme is the highly competitive Class Two Peninsula Golden Jubilee Challenge Cup (8.05 am), a handicap over six furlongs run on the all-weather surface.
A dozen of the quickest speedsters in the territory bursting out of the stalls and vying for positions before the first bend suggests that luck could play an important role in determining the result.
The likes of renowned front-runners and well-drawn pair, Majestic Knight and Full Credit, are likely to lead their rivals a merry dance but could cause problems for the likes of Whizz Kid and Call Me Glorious, who are drawn wide, berthed near the Shing Mun River.
Trainer John Size and James McDonald team up with the smart sprinter Raging Blizzard, who makes his debut on the dirt surface.
The son of Per Incanto was expected to win at Happy Valley recently, but a slow start cost him the race and now Size gambles on swift compensation by racing him on dirt.
He has always impressed in dirt trials throughout his short career and, providing McDonald can find a spot along the rails early on, he must have a huge chance.
Sitting ominously at the bottom of the handicap is the Mark Newnham-trained SING DRAGON, already a three-time winner on the surface but stepping out onto dirt for the first time this season.
His four runs on turf this current campaign have all been encouraging, especially against the likes of smart sprinter Wunderbar and prolific winner Copartner Prance, and on form, he looks well-treated.
Last season, in May for instance, he was beaten just over a length by rival and good yardstick Capital Delight and now finds himself 18 pounds better off in the handicap.
Don’t overlook BUNDLE OF CHARM, a winner twice on the surface from just three runs and likely to be flying at the finish in what will be a strongly run contest.
His handicap mark has dropped two pounds below his last win, and he could well cause a surprise.
POINTERS
Sing Dragon 8.05am Sha Tin
Bundle Of Charm (e/w) 8.05am Sha Tin
New Power set to turn heads for resurgent Chang
TRAINER Michael Chang has not had much luck in recent times but can get a change of fortune when NEW POWER takes his chance in division one of the Edinburgh Handicap (1.10pm) over six furlongs.
The stable has had a quiet time this month following a flying start to the season which saw them achieve half a dozen winners and numerous places.
Chang, who will always be fondly associated with globe-trotting Rich Tapestry, who won in both the US and Dubai 10 years ago, looks to have found a great opportunity for this son of Swiss Ace to return to winning form.
The four-year-old ended last season in a blaze of glory with two convincing victories over the course and distance and looks sure to progress further.
Unfortunately, New Power needed knee surgery in June and was kept off the track for a couple of months to recover.
Returning to the track in September, there was plenty to like about his encouraging effort behind in-form Spicy Gold, and he then bettered that performance when fourth behind the same horse, as well as Storming Dragon and Beauty Destiny, the following month.
Both the second and third have given that form a major boost by subsequently winning recently, which suggests the form is the best on show.
Chang’s galloper was an eye-catcher when trialling as a prep for this contest and will now strip in peak condition.
With Angus Chung in the saddle, claiming a valuable three-pound allowance, he has everything going for him and with his renowned early speed from the gate, he should be in the right place from the off and prove hard to beat.
POINTERS
New Power 1.10pm Happy Valley