Horsepower, one of Hong Kong’s most promising sprinters, is set to face a new challenge at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The four-year-old gelding will step into Class 2 company for the first time in the HK$2.84 million Wan Chai Gap Handicap over 1200 metres, with Zac Purton set to take the reins once again for trainer Frankie Lor.
Previously undefeated in three out of four starts, all over 1000 metres in Class 3, the talented son of Harry Angel is now being tested over a longer trip. With his consistent form and rapid rise through the ranks, the expectations are high as connections look to see if he can replicate his success over an extended sprint distance. The horse is drawn in gate six for this latest challenge and has already caught the eye with his sharp trial effort over the new trip.
Lor, who has overseen Horsepower’s development, believes the gelding is maturing in his racing style. A recent trial showed improvement in his ability to settle, which will be crucial as he navigates a more demanding pace scenario at 1200 metres. With limited options left over 1000 metres, this move up in trip comes at the right time, according to the handler.
The competition in the night’s finale is fierce, featuring a field of 12 runners, several of whom are proven winners. Horsepower joins Kaholo Angel, Stellar Express, and Harmony N Blessed as last-start scorers. Meanwhile, Tomodachi Kokoroe stands out as the only runner yet to secure a win this season, despite sharing the top weight.
Kaholo Angel enters the contest off back-to-back wins and will be ridden by apprentice Ellis Wong, who recently enjoyed a productive May with five victories. Trainer Caspar Fownes acknowledged that while his grey has shown commendable honesty, the leap to Class 2 presents a stiff test. Rated 85, Kaholo Angel will need to raise his game to compete with the best in this company.
Another notable contender is Colourful King, trained by David Eustace. The three-year-old steps up in distance for the first time after a runner-up effort at the same class. With Andrea Atzeni back aboard, optimism surrounds his chances from a favourable draw. Atzeni is confident in the colt’s readiness and hopes for a smooth trip to maximize his late burst.
Earlier in the evening, Atzeni will also partner with Giant Leap in the Class 3 Stanley Gap Handicap for trainer Ricky Yiu. The gelding impressed in a recent barrier trial at Sha Tin, displaying an effortless cruising speed. With Yiu in top form — third in the trainer standings — the team hopes to continue their winning momentum.
Another runner seeking a breakthrough is Midori Fuji, also from the Eustace yard. After a string of close finishes, the consistent galloper tries again in the Class 4 Shouson Hill Handicap. Despite drawing poorly, he’s expected to finish strongly if the race tempo plays to his strengths.
The fixture also features Excellence Value, one of seven horses set to represent trainer Mark Newnham on the card. Newnham currently leads the 2024/25 Happy Valley trainer rankings with 22 wins. He praised the horse’s steady temperament and consistent trackwork, expecting another game effort from a midfield position.
The nine-race program begins at 6:40pm with the Class 5 Mount Butler Handicap and promises an exciting evening of racing action under the lights at Happy Valley.
