Hong Lok Golf will attempt to carry his remarkable rise into elite company when he lines up in Wednesday’s HK$4.2 million January Cup Handicap at Happy Valley, a race that represents the sternest examination yet of his fast-developing career. The seven-time winner, still relatively unexposed at this level, arrives with momentum, ambition and the quiet confidence of a stable willing to test his limits.
Once rated a modest 52 late in 2024, the five-year-old has climbed sharply through the ranks to reach a mark of 102 in just 10 starts. That rapid ascent places him among the least experienced runners in the January Cup Handicap, but also one of its most intriguing contenders. Trainer Chris So accepts the challenge ahead is considerable, yet believes the gelding’s adaptability gives him a genuine chance of rising again.
Hong Lok Golf will break from barrier eight under Harry Bentley as he tackles both Group company and the 1800m trip for the first time. Raced by Jackie Wong, he has already shown an ability to cope with Happy Valley’s demanding circuit, having scored once at the city venue last season.
“We don’t have many options for him now his rating is over 100,” So explained. “He’s mainly a miler, but we have to explore different distances. He handles most things we ask of him, but the question is whether he can truly perform at 1800 metres. I want him to win, not just get through the race. He managed Happy Valley before, so now we see how far he can go.”
The opposition ensures there will be no margin for error. Last year’s winner Helene Feeling returns on 125lb, while seasoned performers such as Beauty Joy, Moments In Time and Ensued add depth and experience to the field. Chancheng Glory, a multiple winner over 1800m, brings proven Group form into the contest, while a cluster of lighter-weighted runners adds tactical complexity to the January Cup Handicap.
Trainer Francis Lui fields three runners as he seeks a second success in the race, following Doctor Geoff’s victory in 2020. His strongest hand appears to be Chancheng Glory, a six-year-old with eight wins to his name who now faces Happy Valley’s tight turns for the first time.
“He’s an honest horse and this is his level,” Lui said. “He trialled well, and Maxime Guyon knows him. He’s consistent, and his overseas performances showed his quality. The track is the unknown, but everything else is in place.”
Stablemates Winning Wing and Speed Dragon also take their chance, both benefiting from lighter weights. Winning Wing, partnered by Dylan Mo, looks to build on a solid campaign so far, while Speed Dragon’s familiarity with the Valley could prove valuable if the race becomes tactical.
Elsewhere, Huge Wave represents Jimmy Ting, who believes the six-year-old continues to improve with maturity. “He’s getting better with age, which is unusual,” Ting noted. “He was only fair over 1800 metres last time, but we can ride him quieter. If he settles, he can be competitive.”
Supporting races add further interest to the midweek programme. The Class 2 Cannes Handicap over 1200m tops the undercard, where Mark Newnham saddles Crimson Flash and Youthful Spirits. Crimson Flash, an emerging four-year-old, bids for a fourth victory after an interrupted run last time, while Youthful Spirits stretches out to 1200m again as connections seek to unlock further progress.
The nine-race card begins at 6.35pm with the Class 5 Meteorites Handicap and promises a compelling evening of racing, with the January Cup Handicap standing as the focal point for those keen to see whether Hong Lok Golf’s rapid ascent still has further chapters to be written.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.