Vincent Ho knows what it means to fight his way back. After spending the better part of last season watching from the sidelines, nursing the after-effects of a heavy fall, Hong Kong’s homegrown star is eager to make up for lost time. This Saturday at Sha Tin, he will climb aboard seven rides, and fittingly, some of his most trusted equine partners are waiting for him.
“It’s nice to be back with a few old friends,” Ho said with a smile, hinting at the quiet confidence he carries into the 10-race card.
Boom Box reunion sets the tone
The rider has only one win on the board this season, but believes The Boom Box could help him turn the page. The Chris So-trained gelding, a three-time winner over Sha Tin’s 1200 metres, returns in the Class 3 Tung Lung Chau Handicap (1200m). Ho and The Boom Box clicked instantly when the horse arrived, rattling off three straight wins together. Now reunited in trials, they’ll try to rekindle that spark.
“He’s very relaxed these days,” Ho explained. “In the mornings he doesn’t show much, but when the gates open he knows his job. Hopefully he can finish strongly.”
The five-year-old endured a flat patch when stepped up in trip last term, but Ho feels the drop back to 1200m is ideal for his seasonal debut.
Fownes connection brings further chances
Ho also links up with Caspar Fownes, the trainer who has so often provided him with a winning platform. Their first reunion comes in Saturday’s feature, the Class 2 High West Handicap (1650m, dirt), where Ho is back aboard Capital Delight. The pair have combined for four of the six-year-old’s Hong Kong victories, and Fownes believes his dirt-loving charge can rediscover top form.
Another Fownes runner, Joy Of Spring, adds depth to Ho’s book. The Deep Field gelding was a close third in his seasonal return and now stretches out to 1800m in the Class 3 Nam Long Shan Handicap. “He’s fit, he’s ready, and he’s quality,” said Ho. “I’d love to win again for Mr Fownes.”
Metro Power rises, Helios Express sharpens
Elsewhere, Metro Power looks to back up his commanding win in the Mei Tung Handicap (1000m). The David Hayes sprinter earned an 11-point ratings hike for his front-running demolition, and although Saturday’s Class 3 Association Of Hong Kong Racing Journalists 40th Anniversary Cup Handicap (1000m) looks tougher, Hayes is optimistic. “The time he ran justified it,” the trainer remarked.
Meanwhile, star galloper Helios Express took another step towards December’s international riches with a trial spin under Hugh Bowman on Friday morning. The multiple Group 1 placegetter finished third in a 1200m workout on dirt, with Bowman describing him as “right on track” for a likely return in the HK$5.35 million G2 Premier Bowl Handicap on 26 October.
A pivotal Saturday for Ho
Saturday’s 10-race programme kicks off at 1pm with the Class 5 Tung Chung Handicap (1650m, dirt). For Vincent Ho, though, the spotlight rests firmly on the rides that matter most — old allies that could help reignite his season and remind fans why he remains one of Hong Kong’s most popular jockeys.
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