It’s been said here before and it will be said over and over again: Derek Leung is the best of the local riders. But even Caspar Fownes was unprepared to see him win on Twin Delight last Sunday and Sha Tin. And Cas, who enjoys a little flutter, “only” trains the horse, which got home at over- inhale- 250 to 1- now exhale- and beat its well-backed stablemate I’m In Charge into third place in the process, couldn’t have it. Who could? And which is why there’s another Six Up Bonus jackpot available today.
Derek Leung is almost a late bloomer- an apprentice who showed good potential, but with this potential only being fully realised in the last few seasons. While we’re seeing a much stronger rider this season in apprentice Jack Wong, a more hungry, determined and fit Matthew Chadwick, and still waiting to see if and when Kei Chiong hits her straps like she did last season, Leung continues to deliver in a low key manner riding almost a winner a meeting. It’s a bit like how Douglas Whyte gets on with business these days by flying under the radar, but with that fierce determination we know all about.
And though we’re barely into this new season, we’ve seen some vintage performances in the saddle by Whyte- confident, winning rides oozing class and with everything kept on the down low. There’s none of that whooping it up and posing for the cameras. It’s nothing personal, it’s all business and what we’re seeing is a more invigorated Douglas Whyte after his annus horribilis last season where very little seemed to go right.
Of course, Douglas Whyte has seen it all and pretty much done it all. Whatever he has to prove is only for himself to decide. Probably the patience to sit down and actually listen to a Bob Dylan album in its entirety. But that’s wishful thinking.
Again, though very much early days, we’re seeing a more level playing field when it comes to the results. There’s not been the total dominance of Joao Moreira. Yet. But like any impending storm, we know that the Magic will return whenever all the pieces fit and he decides to click his heels like Dorothy in “The Wizard Of Oz” and take him to dizzy new heights.
While sitting out a two-day suspension starting today by probably putting his feet up after Friday’s HKJC sponsored charity football match- the Brazilian magician’s idea and where he and a number of other jockeys gave up their time for a good cause and provided great entertainment for fans and friends- it gives this playing field more time for there to be even more levelling out.
Looking at the current riding ranks which will boosted by the arrival of another Brazilian in the extremely exciting and popular Silvestre de Sousa in late October for a three month stint, new boy Sam Clipperton got off the mark last weekend with a double including one very hard-fought win against Moreira. Young Clipperton rides very well and could see his three month contract renewed.
Nash Rawiller, who scored a beauty of a goal on Friday, and the speedy Karis “The Mauritian Usain Bolt” Teetan, below, have got off to good starts, and Chad Schofield, aka “Channah”, returns after sitting out a long suspension, and won’t be long getting amongst the winners.
Apart from those who’ve hit the ground running, one cannot, of course, forget the Batman and Joker of Hong Kong racing- Zac Purton, who’s riding better than ever, and the ever-consistent and always competitive Neil Callan. And yes, as seen below, their bromance continues. Even on the football pitch.
“I bow to your greatness, my liege”.
Of course, the highlight of today’s meeting will be to see if Pakistan Star can replicate its stunning last to first win at his debut last season.
The galloper will be at very prohibitive odds and many we know won’t hear of him being beaten. But a few others point out that if there’s not a strong pace in the race, Pakistan Star might have his work cut out. Couple this with regular jockey Matthew Chadwick sending out all kinds of warning signals to punters, and it’s enough to go back and see who might be able to beat him other than sheer bad luck, or Secondupitis. There’s really nothing else in the field that looks headed for greater things.
With a big Six Up Bonus jackpot up for grabs, all it would take for this not go off again would be coming to the last leg and seeing Pakistan Star bite the dust. And if the galloper wins, the Six Up will pay chump change. So, the advice would be to take two six ups, and leave out the favourite in your selections. As The Donald recently asked Black voters, “What have you got to lose?”
Elsewhere, it’s a tough card with overnight odds bound to lead many astray. Other than Green Card almost certain to take out race six and Jing Jing Win jing jing winning the second, the races are extremely open. Well, that’s probably put the mock on Green Card, the extremely unlucky John Moore-trained galloper, which will be ridden by Douglas Whyte for the first time.
Whyte replaces Joao Moreira, and it will be interesting to see who has replaced the Magic Man on what he might have been riding. Then again, by taking his suspension immediately, perhaps he didn’t have that good a book of rides? What do we suggest? Closing your eyes and seeing where that magic pin lands.
Below are suggestions with absolutely no confidence. That’s best left to the professionals, though even their stats so far this season would hardly put you on the winning side of the ledger.
RACE 1 (4)-2,5,7,8
RACE 2 4-8-2-1
RACE 3 2-4-1-7
RACE 4 5-2-3-11
RACE 5 1-12-4-6
RACE 6 2-10-7-4
RACE 7 10-14-13-7
RACE 8 10-6-8-14
RACE 9 1-7-14-3
RACE 10 9-4-3-11
BEST BET Race 8: Molly’s Jade Star (10)
NEXT BET Race 9: Bad Boy (1)
LONGSHOT Race 1: This Is Gladiator (7)
SIX UP
R5-1-2-3-4-5-6-10-12 R6: 2 R7: 8-10-13-14 R8: 10 R9: 1-7-14 R10: 3-4-9
FROM THE RACING TWITTERVERSE
👏🏾 No one does it better than Gary Moore ! Great 4 Racing pic.twitter.com/GNZta7J5Nm — Jadeskye Racing (@jadeskye_racing) September 17, 2016
Words just don't do it justice… Winx extends her winning streak to 11 in the #GeorgeMainStakes. pic.twitter.com/mJQN5Nps0j — TAB (@tabcomau) September 17, 2016
"There's nothing like that winning feeling." Chris Waller after Winx coasted to victory in the George Main Stakes. pic.twitter.com/TzZd5K2jxK — Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 17, 2016
"He's just a very good horse." Hear what @mcacajamez had to say after Hartnell smashed his rivals in the Hill Stakes pic.twitter.com/c5o2xSJsGB — Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 17, 2016
PARTING SHOT
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