Despite a few of those plodding races on the all-weather track that usually depend on pot luck, some of the races at Shatin this afternoon look pretty straightforward- which is good enough reason to tread warily if interested in having a financial interest in them.
There’s nothing “straightforward” about winning in horse racing.
At least on paper, Joao Moreira appears to have a good book of rides. Learned form students even feel he could ride the winners of the last three winners on the card.
Possibly. But it’s been difficult following the Magic Man this season.
Those days when one saw the combination of trainer John Size and Joao Moreira as something close to a “sure thing” are now a thing of the past.
Though still having first call on the horses trained by Size, the Brazilian rider is spreading the magic and love around, primarily in the direction of Frankie Lor, who’s making a concerted effort to win his first Trainers Championship.
The magic is also being shown to Caspar Fownes and with a few cameo appearances for Tony Cruz.
Being a Club jockey, why not? He’s free to ride whatever he wants.
If deciding to get involved in the racing, it might be best to tackle the Triple Trio where there’s a jackpot up for grabs if in Hong Kong just as there are jackpots in a couple of the Double Trio races.
There doesn’t appear to be much value in the Six Up and Treble, and if in Australia, the Quaddie.
If looking at some value, perhaps include Rock Ya Heart (12) in the last race where one is unsure about possible race favourite Fantastic Treasure (4) winning.
If this goes under, a huge Quartet payout would not surprise at all. There’s a helluva lot of value in the race.
What else? Some might be interested in Frankie Lor beating his old boss John Size and winning his first Hong Kong Trainers Championship.
It’s sorcerer and apprentice stuff and a predictable ho hum story that keeps being rolled out.
The more interesting story in what’s been quite a draining racing season is what happens next season as Hong Kong- and everything in the city- is still wondering what the new holistic Hong Kong brand might be, and where exactly horse racing might fit in.
Of course, like jockeys Daniel Moor has already done by leaving Hong Kong, and Blake Shinn will do at the end of the season, money isn’t the cure-all some believe it to be.
There will be others looking at greener pastures offering shelter from the storm and better options other than continuing to walk on eggshells of uncertainty.
Others will hang in and shine shoes as there is always more money to be sucked out of the city whereas someone like Brazilian jockey “Sly” de Sousa is said to be returning to Hong Kong to continue being Oliver Twisted. That’s no surprise.
All this importance placed on always taking, but seldom giving back has been part of the makeup of Hong Kong.
Perhaps with a new incoming Chief Executive, there will be more emphasis placed on empathy and better and greater teamwork.
Maybe those who claim to love Hong Kong so terribly much, and are sincere about helping the city to continue with dignity, might consider setting an example by putting their money where their mouths are? Hmmmm?
How many, however, are just mouthing platitudes and talking from both sides of their mouths to make this happen?
It would speak volumes if the Hong Kong Jockey Club picks up the mantle, and, other than its Charities Trust, shows Hong Kong how horse racing can help in the rebuilding of the city.
The taxes on betting and the voluminous amounts of money the government makes out of this, we know about.
It’s now about looking beyond the obvious and doing more than ever through new thinking that combines business with a corporate ethos like, for example, Nike.
It’s soon going to be 2023 and continuing to recycle everything that’s come before and thinking this is enough just isn’t good enough.
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