Momentum is building for David Hayes at Happy Valley, where the Australian trainer sends seven runners to Wednesday night’s meeting as the championship battle with Mark Newnham continues to intensify.
Separated by just one winner at the top of the standings, Hayes has steadily reeled in his rival in recent weeks and arrives with renewed confidence as the season reaches a pivotal stage.
The two-time Hong Kong Champion Trainer has outscored his compatriot 12 winners to nine since the turn of the year, and Wednesday’s nine-race fixture presents another opportunity to apply pressure. Hayes fields seven runners across the card, with his most compelling chance appearing early in the programme.
Bienvenue key to David Hayes Happy Valley challenge
Hayes’ best prospect may lie with Bienvenue, who returns in the first section of the Class 3 Sam Chuk Handicap over 1200 metres. The four-year-old resumes after more than three months on the sidelines, having been found to have bled following a below-par run in early November.
A consistent performer earlier in the season, the Star Turn gelding had recorded two wins and two second placings from five starts before his enforced break.
“He was a good, consistent horse at the start of the season,” Hayes said. “He’s had a really nice, slow build-up, with a couple of trials, and his work after that has been solid. We’re pleased to have Zac Purton on him, even though the draw isn’t ideal.”
Now rated 68, Bienvenue is viewed by his trainer as a horse with considerable upside.
“At the start of the season, I thought he was similar to Romantic Son, and he’s in the mid-80s now,” Hayes added. “So there’s definitely room for improvement.”
Amazing Kid looms as chief rival
Standing in Bienvenue’s way could be Amazing Kid, trained by John Size, who steps into Class 3 company for the first time after completing a hat-trick of victories over the Happy Valley 1200 metres.
Andrea Atzeni, aboard for four of Size’s last seven winners during a notable resurgence, retains the ride and believes the gelding’s recent progress is genuine.
“He’s obviously turned the corner,” Atzeni said. “Once he got his head in front the first time, it really boosted his confidence. Every time I’ve ridden him, he’s improved again.”
Atzeni acknowledged the challenge of rising in grade but remains encouraged by the horse’s attitude and development.
“From Class 4 to Class 3, it might not look like much on paper, but it’s a big step. The quality is different. Still, he’s done nothing wrong and deserves his chance.”
Chau heads to Riyadh after Happy Valley meeting
Beyond Wednesday night, attention also turns overseas for Jerry Chau, who departs for Saudi Arabia following the Happy Valley fixture to partner Self Improvement in the Group 2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint over 1200 metres at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.
The 25-year-old rider enjoyed the biggest success of his career with the Manfred Man-trained gelding in September, when the pair captured the Group 3 Korea Sprint in Seoul.
Chau believes the Deep Field gelding benefited from that travel experience and feels it could prove valuable again.
“It was a great moment for me and a big surprise,” Chau said. “I was confident in the horse because he handled the trip very well. He was relaxed and patient, and I think he really enjoyed racing at a new venue.”
Wednesday’s Happy Valley meeting begins at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Ng Fong Handicap over 1650 metres. International action from King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh will follow on Saturday night, starting at 9.20pm Hong Kong time.
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