Bidding to become only the 11th jockey to ride 600 winners or more in Hong Kong, Vincent Ho believes a solid tempo in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Chevalier Cup Handicap (1600m) will enhance Karma’s winning chances at Sha Tin on Sunday (24 November).
Trained by Caspar Fownes, Karma was one of several backmarkers caught out after the field split into two divisions in the G3 Sa Sa Ladies' Purse Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin on 3 November and eventually finished ninth, beaten three and three-quarter lengths, behind Ensued.
But Ho hopes this weekend's race will pan out more favourably for long-striding Karma, who has drawn barrier 13, with Ho looking to gradually improve into the race behind an expected good pace set by Telecom Fighters, Healthy Happy, Voyage Samurai and Top Gun.
"The draw is not the most ideal, but it is what it is but let's see how the race pans out. He always comes from back, but it's not really necessary to be too far back. Let's see how the speed is in the race," Ho said.
"He's a decent horse and back to a mile, he will perform. He needs time to be more mature, mentally. He's still doesn't know what his limit is, he keeps improving.
Headed by veteran Healthy Happy, a dual Group 3 winner and Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) victor, the Chevalier Cup features an intriguing mix of seasoned gallopers including Atullibigeal and Telecom Fighters and progressive horses such as Green N White, Helene Feeling, Karma, Patch Of Theta, Young Champion, Sunlight Power and Voyage Samurai.
Adding another dimension to the race is Romantic Thor - a Listed winner in England where he raced as Capulet for Aidan O'Brien - who makes his Hong Kong debut for Danny Shum and Andrea Atzeni. Twice placed at Group 2 level over 1600m in Ireland and England, the Kentucky-bred son of Justify is raced by Romantic Warrior's owner Mr Peter Lau.
The three-year-old is on a potential BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) path and finished second in a 1650m barrier trial on dirt at Sha Tin on 7 November. He will jump from barrier seven on Sunday.
With 599 Hong Kong victories, Ho is on the cusp of joining a select band of riders to reach 600 wins – Douglas Whyte (1,813), Zac Purton (1,780), Joao Moreira (1,235), Tony Cruz (946), Brett Prebble (806), Karis Teetan (704), Gary Moore (694), Basil Marcus (671), Gerald Mosse (659) and Felix Coetzee (652).
Ho has 16 wins this season and, apart from Karma, will attempt to add to the total aboard So Awesome, Jolly Companion, Super Win Dragon, Devas Twelve, Star Glow, Endued and Amazing Victory.
Seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey Purton will partner Frankie Lor's emerging talent Savvy Brilliant in the Class 3 Chevalier Property Management Handicap (1200m) but is concerned at the Toronado gelding's barrier manners.
Winner of his past two starts, Savvy Brilliant will jump from gate three.
"He's not getting the start right, though, which is a concern. He's been lucky he's been in two races where they've run along and set it up for him and helped him but if he gets in a race where they go standard speed, he's going to make it hard for himself so he needs to sort himself out," Purton said.
"It doesn't matter what barrier he's coming out of at the moment, he's coming out really awkwardly and really slowly – he's actually getting worse, which is a bit of a concern.
"(Overall), he's improving all the time, his last win was very good, he had to make up a lot of ground and I thought he was quite strong through the line."
Atzeni also partners Ricky Yiu-trained Solid Win Class 4 Chevalier Lifts & Escalators Handicap (1600m) but has to contend with barrier 13.
"He's been very consistent, he should run well again. The last day, he hit the front and I thought he was going to come and win the race but obviously the horse on the inside (Flying Luck), got me late," Atzeni said.
"He's stepping up in trip, which I think will suit him but we could have done with a better barrier. I'll have to speak to Ricky to see what he wants to do. We'll have to see what happens from that gate."
Sunday's (24 November) 10-race card at Sha Tin starts with the Class 5 Chevalier E&M Engineering Handicap (1400m) at 12.45pm.
