Resurgent Man free to Hunt more success at the Valley
FOR A trainer who was set to be put out to grass and retired by the end of the season, due to the maximum 65-year-old age rule, Manfred Man has seen his fortunes turn full-circle.
His association with the current highest-rated sprinter in the world, Lucky Sweynesse, has seen the Hong Kong Jockey Club waver the rule about his retirement and Man has been on the crest of the wave ever since.
With 39 winners already this season, Man is well on the way to overtaking his best ever total of 43 wins back in the 2009/10 season, and his stable are presently on fire, with victories at six of the last eight race meetings.
Man can strike again with ultra-consistent VIVA HUNTER, who has an ideal opportunity to further his already impressive course and distance record, when lining-up in the Violet Hill Handicap (3.15pm) over the extended mile.
The three-time track and trip winner was only scuppered by the outside draw when beaten under a length by Prime Minister in a competitive handicap last month and this time is presented with a more favourable draw in stall five.
The possibility of conditions being soft underfoot should be no issue for the son of El Roca, who has been placed on a yielding surface in the past, and he should be ideally positioned to repel the late challenge of principle danger Romantic Laos.
Man also saddles the strongly fancied Encountered in the Windy Gap Handicap (3.50pm) over the extended mile.
The three-time course and distance winner looked good when last seen winning in April, but a six-pound penalty swings the scales in favour of equally progressive ATULLIBIGEAL, who won over a mile at Sha Tin earlier in the season and is much better than his recent form figures suggest.
POINTERS
Viva Hunter 3.15pm Happy Valley
Atullibigeal 3.50pm Happy Valley