Danny Shum will saddle Nordic Dragon at Happy Valley on Wednesday, hopeful the expensive Hong Kong International Sale graduate is capable of returning to winning ways when he lines up in the Class 3 O’Brien Handicap (1200m) following a lacklustre eighth at Sha Tin last month.
Vincent Ho has been in the plate for each of the four-year-old’s starts and once again takes riding duties.
Vincent Ho – talented and looks set for a decent day (Pic – HKJC)
“I was a little bit disappointed (with his last run) but I think he is still young and he has never raced there (at Sha Tin) before, so we can forget that and in the future, he can still go back and have more experience there,” Ho said.
Nordic Dragon cost a whopping HK$7 million at the 2022 Hong Kong International Sale; he’s already returned HK$2.59 million to his owner Edmond Yue.
“Back to 1200 metres at Happy Valley, he should run very well, he should be competitive and his fitness is back. After some time off, now I think he’s ready,” Ho said.
Vincent Ho leads the Happy Valley jockeys’ standings this season with 32 wins – six clear of Zac Purton, who holds second.
“I ride for some good stables at Happy Valley, like my ex-boss (Caspar Fownes), Francis Lui and Frankie Lor – they all perform very well at Happy Valley,” Ho said.
Meaningful Star returns for the first time since February, 2022 when he lines in the Class 3 Luard Handicap (1650m) under Ho at Happy Valley for Francis Lui.
“At this stage, the vet always suggested to give him a little bit of time. He likes Happy Valley very much, that’s why I have put him back there,” Lui said.
The chestnut suffered a left fore ligament injury in August which delayed his return this season.
“We’re happy with his trials but he hasn’t run for a very long time,” Lui said.
Remember to get your selections in for the FREE -TO-ENTER Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge and you could win a a share of the bonus of R480 000 if you are one of the astute players to select all the winners on the card.
A must-be-won prize of R5000 will be shared if you place in the top 20 of the leaderboard. Entries close 5 minutes before the start of the first race.
Play now: https://punters.hollywoodbets.net
Wednesday’s nine-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 12h45 with the second section of the Class 5 Fenwick Handicap (1200m).
