Hong Lok Golf could be heading for Group One targets after getting back on track with a game performance to win the Class Two 1,600m Turf Handicap at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Chris So Wai-yin’s galloper won six of his seven starts in a breakout first campaign, but had kicked off this season with a pair of defeats, most recently by two and a half lengths in disappointing fashion.
Sent off the $4.6 joint favourite under Harry Bentley, there were some anxious moments for his backers when he turned into the straight after a midfield trip from gate one with a wall of horses to pass.
The British jockey never panicked, however, and once the gaps appeared he and his willing partner seized the initiative to overhaul a gutsy Soleil Fighter by a neck.
It was certainly vindication for Hong Lok Golf’s owner Jackie Wong See-sum, who has always thought plenty of the son of Grunt.
“I think the owner is happier than me – he expected more. We got a good draw and this time the pace was more suitable and we got a good position,” said So.
“Last time we went too far in front and maybe he was just a bit tired after his comeback.
“We talked before and I said ‘make sure you get midfield, don’t go too far’. The horse has a really good heart – every time in the straight the horse gives you 100 per cent.”
His attitude is perhaps his biggest asset and has connections dreaming big, though So admits the programme is going to limit his options moving forward.
Nonetheless, there could be Group One targets on the horizon as soon as January for his progressive galloper.
“There’s not much choice for the future, I need to study and discuss with the owner,” said So.
“The owner wants to know more and discuss with the jockey. He’s maybe a horse for the Stewards’ Cup but we will see – there is not much choice.
“We will have an entry at the international [Class Two, 1,400m on December 14] but nothing is confirmed. This distance might be a bit too short for him off top weight.”
Soleil Fighter ran an enormous race to finish second for David Hayes, while Steps Ahead rallied well to fend off Sky Heart for third.
There were several disappointments in the race, not least the Douglas Whyte-trained Shanwah, who could only trail home last after a less-than-ideal trip and will now miss the Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) as a result.
Dubai Honour, entered for the Group One Hong Kong Vase (2,400m), also looks unlikely to make the trip for the race on December 14 following a win at Southwell in Listed company on Saturday.
Shanwah was part of a two-ride farewell for jockey Keagan de Melo, who finished third in the following race, the Class Two 1,000m Turf Handicap, on Baby Crystal.
He leaves Hong Kong on the back of 33 winners and a Group Three success aboard Copartner Prance. The 32-year-old will resume race riding in South Africa on Friday.
Sagacious Life, a Brazilian Group One winner who won on his local debut last month, was another who did not enjoy the best of passages, finishing sixth.
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