At Happy Valley’s midweek fixture, all eyes are on the promising young gelding Jumbo Treasure, who will attempt to back up his dazzling debut win with another strong performance under the city lights. Trained by Cody Mo and piloted by jockey Derek Leung, the gelding made an immediate impact on the Hong Kong racing scene in March with a dominant front-running display, finishing two lengths clear of the field. Now, he’s set for a stiffer challenge, facing a more experienced lineup in the Class 4 Lusitano Challenge Cup Handicap.
Stepping out of barrier six this time, Jumbo Treasure returns to action fitted with the same cheek pieces that seemed to sharpen his focus in his debut. While he impressed with his gate speed and composure on that occasion, the stakes are a bit higher on Wednesday night. He’s now burdened with an increased weight of 135 pounds, testing both his physicality and adaptability at the tight-turning Valley circuit. Despite the added weight, confidence remains high, with his connections trusting that the gelding’s stature and raw ability can offset the challenge.
The competition in this 1200-metre sprint includes a field rich in racing experience. With runners like Magniac, Flying Wrote, and Judy’s Great also in the mix, Jumbo Treasure will need to maintain his professionalism and perhaps exhibit some racing smarts to navigate this more complex field. Nonetheless, his jockey believes the horse is capable of adapting to the race tempo, whether setting the pace again or settling just off the lead.
Elsewhere on the card, Derek Leung has a busy book of rides, including Lean Hero, a familiar face at the Valley who returns in the Class 3 Roselle Handicap over 1800 metres. Trained by David Hayes, the gelding has previously shown an affinity for this course, collecting multiple wins. This time, he draws a more favorable barrier and steps up in distance factors that could play to his strengths after a more restrained run from a wider gate last start.
Jumbo Legend, another Valley veteran, will also return in the Roselle Handicap. Known for his versatility, this Caspar Fownes-trained runner has recorded wins over a range of distances at the same track, from sharp sprints to staying trips. Jockey Harry Bentley is optimistic about his chances, particularly if the horse can settle early and unleash his energy late in the race a strategy that has served him well in the past.
Also worth noting is the presence of Karis Teetan, who has been in good form this April and reunites with Watch This One in the Class 3 Kalanchoe Handicap. The Australian import showed promise in his debut overseas and has been gradually finding his footing in Hong Kong. Teetan remains upbeat about his mount’s chances to make an impact, believing the horse has what it takes to rise to the occasion.
The evening’s action begins at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Flamingo Flower Handicap, kicking off what promises to be a competitive and captivating night of racing at one of the sport’s most atmospheric venues.
