Booming Delight’s stablemate and year younger full-brother Rivet (132lb) will make his Hong Kong debut in race eight at Sha Tin on Sunday, the Class 2 Chevalier Property Development & Operations Handicap (1400m). The G1 Racing Post Trophy (1600m) winner also sports owner Peter Law’s yellow and red silks and will break from gate 12 under Tommy Berry.
Rivet will concede weight to all 12 of his rivals. They include two exciting emerging talents in Pingwu Spark (127lb) and Little Giant (130lb).
Pingwu Spark notched back-to-back wins before failing narrowly behind Marvel Tribe last time but jockey Derek Leung believes there is more to come from the strapping Benno Yung-trained five-year-old.
“Last time, he had horses all around him at the 600 (metres) so he wasn’t relaxed on the turn,” Leung explained. “This time we’ll still try to go forward and be handy, and hopefully we’ll have some luck. It’s a stronger field but he’s learning with every race and I know he’ll always do his best.”
Little Giant made it two wins from three Hong Kong starts when scoring easily first-up for the term in a 1200m Class 2 on the all-weather track last time. After winning impressively on debut back in May, David Hall’s charge was only third to Shamal in June.
“He’s come back this season and he looks like he wants to get it done again,” jockey Zac Purton said. “His trial was good and he’s done everything right so I’m looking forward to getting back to the races with him. I don’t see 1400 (metres) as being a problem. He hit the line well last time and he’s a lovely, relaxed horse during the race so he’ll switch off and give himself every chance.”
The 10-race card will also see last season’s Champion Griffin Premiere attempt to seal a hat-trick of wins this term down the straight 1000m. John Size’s charge will break from gate five under Teetan in the Class 2 Chevalier Lifts & Escalators Handicap, his first run since 11 October.
“I’ve trialled him a few times, the horse seems healthy and well again,” Teetan said. He’s had a good few trials and, for me, he’s improving all the time. At 1000 metres, if you’re a bit fresh it should be good, so I think it’s a good race for him.”
Sunday’s racing kicks off at 12.45pm with the Class 4 Chevalier Aluminium Engineering Handicap (1000m). The finale at 5.50pm is the Class 3 Chevalier Senior Housing Handicap (1400m). The action also includes a simulcast of the G1 Japan Cup, which will be shown at 2.40pm, between races four and five.
Premiere winning at Sha Tin in September, picture Hong Kong Jockey Club
