A searching early gallop could hold the key to Wednesday night’s feature at Happy Valley, where Jamie Richards’ Storming Dragon (121lb) shapes as a major player in the Class 3 New Lantao Bus Handicap (1200m). The compact city circuit has long rewarded patience and timing, and Lyle Hewitson believes the race conditions may finally align for the fast-finishing gelding.
Plenty of early initiative is expected. Lucky Planet (135lb), Matters Most (132lb), Metro Power (124lb) and Beauty Glory (122lb) have all led and won races this season, and another forward display from one or more of them appears likely. That prospect of a genuine speed battle around the tight turns at Happy Valley could play directly into Storming Dragon’s strengths.
Hewitson, who has partnered the four-year-old over 1650 metres previously, feels the return to six furlongs is significant.
“I’ve only ridden him over 1650 and although he gives the impression that he would enjoy going further, his best form has been over 1200,” Hewitson said. “He seems to relish the speed and hit the line strong over the 1200.
“It’s good to be aboard him, and he’s probably at a mark now where he’s ready to go. He’s been running well and he has a decent draw in two.”
Richards, who surpassed 100 Hong Kong career wins in February, saddles four runners at the Valley meeting and seeks a fourth victory with Storming Dragon. For Hewitson, it forms part of an eight-ride book as the South African aims to build on his 20-win tally this term.
“There’s a lot in his favour,” he added. “If he puts his mind on the job off this rating, then he should be capable. Lots of speed in the race, and that’s going to be to his liking.”
Earlier in the evening at Happy Valley, Hewitson joins forces with Hey Bros (124lb) for Brett Crawford in the Class 3 Kwoon Chung Bus Cup Handicap (1200m). The Australian import was fifth on debut in Hong Kong last month and is expected to strip fitter despite facing the challenge of gate 10.
“I’ve never been aboard him, but that run was pretty good,” Hewitson said. “His last furlong was solid, and normally they improve after one run. Hopefully, he can show something on Wednesday and, despite the tricky draw, work home well.”
Hewitson also reunites with Dragon Sunrise (120lb) in the card-opening Class 5 Kwoon Chung Motors Handicap (1800m) for Francis Lui. The American-bred recorded his first top-three finish last time and gave the impression he may be finding his level.
“I thought in his last few starts he’s shown something and he hasn’t run bad races,” Hewitson said. “It was a surprise, but he was certainly capable of doing something like that. I’m just hoping he can stay in that vein of form.”
Another who arrives in consistent heart is Silvery Breeze (135lb) for David Eustace. The Dundeel gelding has not finished worse than fourth this campaign, winning once and placing three times from five outings. He returns to Class 3 company in the Sichuan Bipenggou Tourist Attractions Handicap (1650m) under Hugh Bowman.
“The pace should really assist him,” Bowman said. “A couple of the on-pace runners have drawn wide, so they’re going to have to work for their positions, which should help him.
“He went up to Class 2 last time with a light weight and the race didn’t suit him, but he’s in great order. He was unlucky not to win the start before and, despite carrying 135 pounds, he’s knocking on the door to win another in Class 3.”
Silvery Breeze faces the progressive Corleone (129lb), who bids for a fourth win from his past five starts and brings strong recent form to the midweek fixture at Happy Valley.
The nine-race programme begins at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Kwoon Chung Motors Handicap (1800m), and with several races featuring contrasting running styles, the rhythm of the early contests may well shape the narrative of the night.
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