Frankly, the one thing worth betting on in Hong Kong these days is new Chief Executive John Lee, who, just a couple of days into his new gig, is already a breath of fresh air compared to the daily confusion bolts hurled in all directions from the hapless housewife, and who was completely shunned by the great leader of the motherland at the inauguration ceremony on July 1. No surprise.
Many have pinned their hopes on John Lee to get Hong Kong back on track without him having to pay lip service and pretending to be what he isn’t.
Whether “the honeymoon period” or not, it shows leadership- and leadership missing in many other cities and countries. But this isn’t a competition. The world deserves a break from the madness around it.
As for John Lee Lee, he’s left the gates extremely well and is already out in front. He’s taking the turns in his stride and everything points to him delivering the goods. Go, Johnny, Go!
Speaking of winning runs, how will the Zac and João Show fare tonight?
With pretty dire fields throughout the card, it’s going to come down to who’s got the best of the rubbish heap.
From the way Zac went on and on and on in an interview about his ride in the last being lumbered with a wide draw, a wide draw, a wide draw and top weight, well, alrighty then. His wide draw might prove to be a problem, a problem, a problem.
What many didn’t expect, and which wasn’t on the cards, was Blake Shinn taking up a one month stint in Singapore after finishing riding in Hong Kong tonight.
As for thinking that the door would remain open for the Aussie rider to return to Hong Kong, we think we just heard the other shoe drop.
No one likes being blindsided- especially the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
As for what Size might fit the Brazilian magic man best, we believe this partnership is heading for its inevitable ending.
From everything we know, The Fat Lady sang a few months ago.
One wonders if the rules having been changed so that John Size can now train until he’s 73 might have had something to do with the partnership falling apart?
One really can’t see Magic João hanging around Hong Kong for another five years. We don’t even know whether he’ll be riding in the city next season.
What’s next? Everything and nothing and many just wanting this racing season to end so that everyone can go to their respective corners, take off their pants and exhale.
It’s been a right old annus horribilis and we’re sure there’s more to come before the season of the bubble and the bitch finally grinds to a halt.
Tonight, other than perhaps backing Lyle Hewitson to ride off with the Jockey Challenge, that’s about as exciting as it’s going to get.
