Super Joy N Fun’s unblemished record will go on the line in Wednesday’s Class 3 Shelley Handicap at Happy Valley.
Two for two to commence his career for trainer Benno Yung, the gifted Super Joy N Fun faces nine rivals in his class-rising task, including five who have won in the grade before.
Super Joy N Fun wins on debut at Happy Valley (Pic – HKJC)
Zac Purton takes the mount this week from barrier one. Jerry Chau, who is suspended, steered the three-year-old son of What’s The Story to both of his previous victories.
“He’s had two starts for two wins. He’s done it in impressive fashion. He’s drawn a nice gate and he has a light weight, so he’s going to get his chance again,” Purton said.
The 65-rater sports the same silks as Joy And Fun, a top-level winner in Hong Kong, who prevailed in the 2010 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan when the race was run over 1200m and at Group 3 level.
Joy And Fun also placed in two more editions of Dubai’s premier dash in 2012 and 2013, both times when the race was contested over 1000m at Group 1 level.
Super Joy N Fun finished second in a recent turf barrier trial at Conghua, clocking 58.55s under Chau, who made the journey from Sha Tin to partner the speedster in his hit-out.
“He’s still a little bit immature physically, so I think he’s going to continue to develop and hopefully continue to go up in the ratings. He’s a nice ride to get on, he’s a gentleman to ride as well. I rode him in work and he was as quiet as they come, he just cruises around, so he obviously saves himself for race day,” Purton said.
Tomorrow’s field boasts Class 3 winners Humble Star, Sports Legend, Super Fortune, Happy Fat Cat and Lucky Archangel.
Super Joy N Fun carries 120lb, armed with a rampaging Purton, who rode a four-timer on Sunday at Sha Tin to bank his ninth 100-win season in Hong Kong.
“It’s good. It’s always good to reach 100 wins. It’s been a challenging season, for a number of reasons, but it’s always good to get to the ton, it makes it feel like the season’s a bit better, like I’ve accomplished something. It’s always a good benchmark and we still have a few more meetings left, so hopefully I can close it off strongly,” Purton said.
Hong Kong’s six-time champion jockey also rides My Intelligent, Chateauneuf, Smart Beauty, Racingrace, Roaring Bebe, Mr Aladdin and Chain Of Gold at the city circuit.
Wednesday’s nine-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 12h40 with the Class 5 Cochrane Handicap.
