After a commanding rise through the ranks, Hong Lok Golf is set to take on the unique challenge of Happy Valley for the first time in his career. Trainer Chris So sends his progressive galloper into Wednesday night’s (11 June) HK$3.12 million Class 2 Cheung Sha Handicap (1650m), marking a significant step in the horse’s development after a series of impressive runs at Sha Tin.
The move to Happy Valley signals a tactical test, as the city course features sharp corners, undulating terrain, and a shorter home straight compared to the long stretch at Sha Tin. Despite this, jockey Harry Bentley, who has been aboard for each of the horse’s five victories, remains confident about his mount’s adaptability. The British rider praised Hong Lok Golf’s balance and natural stride, noting that while the shorter straight may alter the dynamics slightly, the gelding’s attitude and ability suggest he can adjust smoothly.
Hong Lok Golf’s recent victory came over Pray For Mir, a horse that has since triumphed at Group 3 level, further underscoring the strength of the form line. His consistency and development over distances ranging from 1200m to 1600m mark him as a serious contender over the slightly extended 1650m trip this week. Drawing barrier four should give Bentley options early on, especially in a field featuring seasoned rivals like Helene Feeling, Voyage Samurai, and Telecom Fighters.
Bentley, who celebrates his 33rd birthday just a day before the race, highlighted the gelding’s growing maturity, both physically and mentally. With each race, Hong Lok Golf has demonstrated increased strength and focus, a sign that he is far from reaching his peak. Chris So, who has enjoyed a successful season with 32 wins so far, counts the rising star as his highest-rated runner—a testament to the potential still untapped in the Grunt gelding.
Meanwhile, jockey Derek Leung is optimistic about Voyage Samurai, another runner making his Happy Valley debut in the same race. Although the horse found the 1800m trip taxing last start, a brief break has rejuvenated him, and Leung believes the shorter journey could bring out his best. A recent trial at Conghua gave encouraging signs, and Leung is hopeful of a competitive performance on race night.
Leung will also take the reins on Soaring Bronco in the Class 4 Tai Kok Tsui Handicap, a horse that has been consistently honest in his recent runs. He expects another solid effort from the dependable gelding.
As Wednesday’s nine-race card kicks off at 6:40 pm with the Class 5 Tai Wo Ping Handicap, all eyes will be on Hong Lok Golf as he bids to continue his upward trajectory and prove he can master the tighter confines of Happy Valley just as convincingly as he has at Sha Tin.
