Fownes has built a five-win advantage at the top, yet the experienced trainer knows the closing weeks can quickly reshape the leaderboard. With rivals Danny Shum and Mark Newnham still within striking distance, every remaining meeting carries added importance.
Hong Kong trainers championship remains the centre of attention as the season reaches its decisive stage.
Shum sits second with 59 wins, while Newnham follows closely on 58. Francis Lui (54), David Hayes (52) and John Size (50) have all reached the 50-win mark, although they face a difficult task to overhaul the current leader.
One factor that could influence the final outcome is the remaining race schedule. Four of the last six meetings will take place at Sha Tin, with only two opportunities at Happy Valley, including the Hong Kong Reunification Raceday on Wednesday, 1 July.
That shift could be significant for Fownes, who has enjoyed a stronger campaign at Happy Valley. He has collected 43 winners at the city circuit this season compared with 21 at Sha Tin, but the 58-year-old is not dwelling on the fixture balance.
“It is what it is. I’ve given it 110 per cent and hopefully we can continue to find the winners,” Fownes said.
“I’m happy with where I’m at, but it’s still game on and there’s still a long way to go. As long as we keep training winners, we will be fighting until the end.”
The trainer also acknowledged how quickly momentum can change in the final weeks.
“Hopefully, I can get it done but I’m not taking anything for granted. Anyone could land three or four winners in a day and change the whole dynamic.”
Fownes has also credited Brazilian jockey Joao Moreira for strengthening his challenge since becoming stable rider in April. The partnership has produced 23 victories from 133 attempts this season.
“He’s been great and he’s the only one who can compete against Zac (Purton). If he came here full-time, he would probably beat Zac,” Fownes said.
The leading trainer now turns his attention towards a busy closing schedule, with several horses expected to play important roles. Elegant Life, who finished third on his first start for Fownes on 13 June, heads into the first section of the Class 4 Lam Tsuen River Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Saturday, 27 June.
Sagacious Life is set to return in a Class 1 1600m contest on 12 July after his encouraging third-place finish, while Pejibaye is being aimed at a Class 4 1200m dirt event on 4 July following a strong comeback effort after a six-month break.
Last-start winner Target Audience is another key runner for Fownes, with a Class 3 1200m race at Happy Valley planned for either 8 or 15 July after an impressive city circuit debut victory on 10 June.
“He’s in good form and has pulled up well. He was impressive last start so he will go back to the Valley,” Fownes said.
The trainer is also weighing up a decision regarding Love Together, another recent winner, as he prepares his stable for the final meetings of the campaign.
“We’ve got a few more that I think have great winning chances, so we are programming them to best effect. It’s very tactical right now and I’m enjoying it.”
With the championship still open, Fownes’ steady approach and strong closing team ensure the final weeks of the Hong Kong season will remain closely watched.
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