S9as News Update on Horse Racing

Owner Nick Etches chases Hong Kong Derby dream with Invincible Ibis after close second 33 years ago
Long-time Jockey Club member hopes to go one better in city’s biggest race more than three decades on from his narrow defeat

Thirty-three years after falling agonisingly short of Hong Kong Derby glory, Nick Etches returns to the city’s biggest race with high hopes of realising every owner’s dream with Invincible Ibis on Sunday.

A long-time member of the Jockey Club and still a voting member, Etches almost tasted the ultimate success when his galloper Red Ruffian ran half a length second to Helene Star in the 1993 Derby.

“We were standing here in the paddock – the old paddock in those days – thinking how lucky it was to be in the Derby,” Etches recalled.

“We weren’t expecting anything and when he ran second, we thought ‘if only’. We were taken out by another horse called Magnified coming into the straight – he decided to go to the grandstand and was inside us, so he took us with him.”

Invincible Ibis will be Etches’ first Derby runner since then and the Mark Newnham-trained gelding has strong claims of going one better than Red Ruffian.

The son of I Am Invincible burst into Classic Series calculations with four consecutive wins at Sha Tin, with his rating soaring from 55 to 91.

He had excuses from a wide draw when sixth in the Classic Mile, but bounced back with a fast-finishing second to Stormy Grove in the Classic Cup (1,800m) to prove he would be a leading Derby contender.

“Not many people have Derby runners, but we’re very lucky with this horse. Mark bought him in the sale and liked him and he’s done really well for us,” Etches said.

“He came here rated 52, he was 55 at the beginning of the season and now he’s 95. Mark has done a really good job with him.”

Etches is a part of the Ibis Syndicate – one of Hong Kong’s oldest syndicates – which comprises of Shek O Country Club members.

“The ibis is the logo of the Shek O Country Club,” Etches said.

“We’ve had many, many horses but we’re on a bit of a roll now because this one’s doing so well. This is very special.”

Invincible Ibis was one of the big winners of Thursday’s barrier draw for the Derby when Etches drew gate three.

While connections are confident of a big performance in the HK$26 million feature, Etches is wary of how even the field of 14 is.

“It’s very exciting. We don’t expect too much – it’s a very tough race this year,” he said.

“If he runs up to his potential he’ll do very well. He’s got a good draw and [Hugh Bowman] has ridden him three times now. Mark rode him this morning and said he was feeling great.”

While Invincible Ibis could go on to be the best horse Etches has raced, he still has some ground to make up on Limelight, who gave Etches a dream introduction to journey as an owner.

“My first horse was called Limelight. I bought him in the late 1980s – he was one of the old subscription Griffins when the Jockey Club bought a horse for you and you were allocated it. He won seven races,” Etches said.

Mark Newnham dominates Happy Valley with five-timer while Andrea Atzeni scores four-timer
Australian handler secures quintet at city circuit while Sardinian jockey strikes with quartet

Mark Newnham celebrated a career-best five winners at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, while Andrea Atzeni continued his red-hot form with his second four-timer in as many weeks.

Newnham jumped back up to second in the trainers’ championship on 40 wins after falling just one win short of current title leader Caspar Fownes’ record of six winners at a Hong Kong meeting, which he achieved at the Valley in 2010.

While Newnham trained four winners on a day in Australia across different tracks, it was the first time he had achieved a five-timer.

“I’ve never done it anywhere, so five winners on one card is pretty special,” Newnham said.

“It’s been some night, that’s for sure. It’s nice to reward all our owners and the staff that have done a really good job throughout the season. We’ve had a little bit of a quiet time the last month, but we’ve been sticking to the process and preparing the horses well and everything’s fallen into place tonight.”

Atzeni joined jockeys’ championship second-placed Hugh Bowman on 40 winners for the season by bringing up a four-timer with two of Newnham’s victors – Crimson Flash and Armor Golden Eagle – as well as Sky Cap and Win Beauty Viva.

Newnham’s night was highlighted by Crimson Flash’s superb return to victory in the Class Two Daisy Handicap (1,200m). The Showtime gelding was back to his brilliant best when stepping back in trip with Atzeni on board.

“We tried him in the Classic Mile, it was clear that he couldn’t stay so a little bit of a freshen-up and back to his favourite track and distance – and he was eligible for the Class Two bonus. So, it’s been a very good result for the owners,” Newnham said after Crimson Flash comfortably accounted for Brave Star by a length.

A front-running performance saw Armor Golden Eagle strike for the first time in Hong Kong in the Class Four Azalea Handicap (1,650m). The son of Ace High excelled at his first run at the city circuit and was aided by a perfectly rated ride from Atzeni.

“It wasn’t really the idea to lead with him, but Andrea got the pace right and that certainly helped. We wanted to be closer in the run, but when the top weight didn’t go on and lead, Andrea took it up and rated him well. The horse responded well too. It’s been a bit frustrating with him, but a change of venue and a bit more luck at the draw helped,” Newnham said.

Atzeni was the beneficiary of a pickup ride on Sky Cap for Caspar Fownes in the Class Four Ireland Trophy (1,200m) after Dylan Browne McMonagle became indisposed following a fall from Sterling Wongchoy in the opening race. The Irish jockey was stood down from riding after the second race due to shoulder pain after riding The Lion King to third place.

“It’s never nice to pick up a ride when another jockey is injured, and hopefully Dylan is not too bad,” said Atzeni.

Ace War gained back-to-back wins for Newnham and jockey Zac Purton when taking out the Class Four Dahlia Handicap (1,800m) with a scorching burst down the centre of the track.

“He backed up his win from a fortnight ago with another impressive display. He’s certainly not the easiest horse to ride and not the easiest horse to watch while he’s racing. He settled better through the race today but he just needed clear ground from the five hundred and his turn of foot late was very good,” Newnham said.

Purton finished the night with a double courtesy of Aurio in the Class Three Hydrangea Handicap (1,200m), who broke the class record with a time of 1:08.49.

Soaring Bronco scored at his first start for Newnham after a stable transfer when a dramatic finish to the Class Five Aster Handicap (1,650m) saw him win in a dead heat with Glorious Ryder.

“I think a change of environment may have just helped. I probably got him at a good rating, as he was down to 32. On his previous form he had something to offer and he’d trialled well, so I came here confident he’d run well but when a horse has the recent form that he does, it’s hard to be confident they’ll win,” Newnham said.

Newnham’s other winner was Notthesillyone, who saluted at odds of $26 in the Class Four Bellflower Handicap (1,000m). While breaking from barrier 12 was a tough task, the previous track and distance winner benefited from a perfect ride by Richard Kingscote.

“Luke [Ferraris] usually rides the horse but he was previously engaged. Richard’s only had a few rides on him – but has ridden them all well – so we opted to go with him and he pulled off a perfect ride from gate twelve. Once he settled outside the leader he was going to run well,” Newnham said.

Champions Day: Calandagan, Masquerade Ball, Museum Mile headline strong overseas entries
A total of 23 individual Group One winners feature among nominations released by the Hong Kong Jockey Club for the showpiece meeting

French star Calandagan, Japan’s Masquerade Ball and Museum Mile headline a strong contingent of 63 international raiders entered for next month’s FWD Champions Day meeting at Sha Tin.

Calandagan, last year’s Longines World’s Best Racehorse, and Group One winners Masquerade Ball and Museum Mile could be set for a blockbuster clash with Hong Kong’s 13-time Group One champion Romantic Warrior in the Group One QE II Cup (2,000m).

Calandagan capped a massive year with victory in last November’s Group One Japan Cup (2,400m) in a thrilling finish with Masquerade Ball, while Museum Mile has risen to stardom with five wins – including his past two at Group One level – from 10 starts.

The Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained Romantic Warrior, who won the QE II Cup in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising spearhead the local entries for Hong Kong’s second-biggest race day.

Crowned the top-rated galloper in this year’s first edition of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, Ka Ying Rising will chase a record-extending 20th consecutive victory in the Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m), provided he wins the Group Two Sprint Cup (1,200m) on April 6.

His stranglehold on the Chairman’s Sprint Prize has led to only 23 entries being received for the race, including four from Australia and eight from Japan.

There are 23 overseas entries for April 26’s other Group One feature, the Champions Mile, including Japan’s four-time Group One-winning miler Jantar Mantar, Gaia Force, Royal Ascot Group One victor Docklands and Australia’s Tom Kitten and Evaporate, who ran first and second respectively in the recent Group One All-Star Mile at Flemington.

Six-time Group One hero Voyage Bubble, reigning Champions Mile victor Red Lion, Galaxy Patch and My Wish headline the Hong Kong entrants for the race.

“We are thrilled with the outstanding quality of entries from around the world for FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin – including 23 individual Group One winners coming up against our champions Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior,” Andrew Harding, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s executive director of racing, said.

“Ka Ying Rising is a phenomenal world-class talent. He is the globe’s leading sprinter, and seemingly every time he steps out, he delivers incredible performances.

“If he manages to win the Sprint Cup on April 6, then he will chase even more history on FWD Champions Day by aiming to become the first Hong Kong-trained horse to win 20 consecutive races.

“Our global champion Romantic Warrior continues to excel on the world stage – he is now our only 13-time Group One winner, and he will seek a record-extending fourth win in the FWD QE II Cup, but he will do so potentially against high-class opposition – including Group One winners Masquerade Ball, Museum Mile and Royal Champion, while Calandagan also has the option to race.

“Overall, we are immensely excited ahead of another wonderful staging of our spring flagship meeting, and we look forward to an outstanding day of elite international racing.”

Eight horses selected to run in Sunday’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) – Little Paradise, Invincible Ibis, Dazzling Fit, Emblazon, Seraph Gabriel, Stormy Grove, Top Dragon and Numbers – also hold entries for Champions Day.

Karis Teetan looking forward to quality book of rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday
Mauritian jockey has strong hand at city circuit headlined by Young Champion

Karis Teetan has a quality book of rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, spearheaded by Young Champion in the feature Class Two Daisy Handicap (1,200m).

A drop back in trip to 1,200m for his last two starts has seen a return to form for John Size’s Zoustar galloper, recording seconds both times – most recently by a nose to Group performer Beauty Waves with Teetan on board.

“It’s pretty good to see him doing what he’s been doing lately because he was a bit disappointing, but it’s nice that John has found the trick with him. In the last run it was difficult to make up the ground and the winner got away from me,” Teetan said.

The seven-year-old only had his first run at the city circuit last start, and Teetan was impressed with how he handled the tight-turning track.

“He handled Happy Valley pretty well. It was nice to see him letting down on that track; he’s only going to be able to improve from that,” Teetan said.

“He’s doing well at the moment, his trial was good at Conghua – he’s a horse that might have the race run for him and with that weight he’ll run well.”

The Jamie Richards-trained Storming Dragon will be looking for his second win this season when he breaks from barrier five with the light weight of 117lb in the Class Three Hydrangea Handicap (1,200m).

While the Star Turn galloper prefers to run on from back in the field, the tempo looks to be in his favour on Wednesday night, when he breaks from stall five.

“It was a good run last time – he’s come down a bit in the ratings and he’s been running well lately. He finished off really well last time,” Teetan said.

“He needs a fast-run race where he can finish off. He’s got a nice gate and I think he’s going to get the speed he wants. He should be competitive with that weight on his back.”

Teetan remains the only jockey to have won in Hong Kong on Heroic Master and will reunite with him for the first time since June 2024 in the Class Four Bellflower Handicap (1,000m).

The Not A Single Doubt gelding will have his second start for Me Tsui Yu-sak since being transferred to the stable and will be looking to replicate his only victory, which was over the same track and trip.

“I’ve been trying to get on him for a long time, so it was nice that Me Tsui was offering me the horse this time with the weight,” Teetan said.

“He ran a great race last time, he made a lot of ground down the straight. He’s got a nice draw and I think if he gets the right run in the fast run race – that’s what he likes – he’ll be able to finish off strong.”

Smart City is another runner who has only saluted under Karis Teetan and, while a step back in trip should be of benefit in the Class Four Dahlia Handicap (1,800m), barrier 11 could prove a tough task.

“He’s a horse that’s been running well lately. He’s got a bad draw this time, so it’s going to make it a bit tougher, but he’s a horse that I know well, it’s nice to get back on him,” said Teetan.

“I think he’s a horse who – from that draw – is not capable of going all the way back and running at them, so he’s going to need to get himself in a handier position. If he gets a nice run, we’ll be good.”

Teetan’s book of rides also includes Leslie, Heroic Master, Marvel And Gold and Noisy Boy.

Wednesday will be a warm-up for Sunday’s racing at Sha Tin when the city’s best four-year-olds go head to head in the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m). Teetan is looking forward to taking on the challenge aboard Sagacious Life.

“His last run, he had an excuse, he got sort of got checked up pretty badly and got crowded. He’s a horse that I believe going towards the Derby should have a chance. He was one of the horses that were pretty highly pumped up before the Classic Mile so I’m very happy to be on him,” Teetan said.

Proven at the trip when scoring over 2,400m in Brazil pre-import, Teetan has no need to worry about the Derby distance for the son of Put It Back.

“That’s the good thing about this horse; the trip should be no problem. When horses now have to go two turns in a Derby, not like the Classic Mile or the Classic Cup, the whole form can change,” Teetan said.

“I think it’s going to be an interesting race. If they run a true-run 2,000m race, I think it’s going to play in his favour. Some of those horses don’t stay.”

Hugh Bowman looks forward to Sha Tin trio as he bids to continue strong run of form
The top jockey has ridden winners at four of the last five meetings and has eight chances to strike on Sunday

Hugh Bowman is looking forward to a string of strong chances at Sha Tin on Sunday, including smart debut winner Papaya Brose in section two of the Class Four Lung Kong Handicap (1,400m).

The Caspar Fownes-trained three-year-old was sent off an unconsidered $21.5 chance for his debut last month, but he belied his big odds with a devastating performance under Bowman to win by one and a half lengths.

Settled towards the rear, the Zousain galloper copped a check when fanning out into the clear in the straight and then lugged out when asked for his effort. Once straightened up, however, he surged down the middle of the track to record an eye-catching win.

He carries 8lb more on this occasion and joint top weight alongside Endeared, but a good draw in stall six only enhances his chances, and Bowman thinks he has improved since that debut victory.

“It wasn’t that much of a surprise [that he won first up], I did trial him prior to that run on the all-weather and he didn’t enjoy the kickback in his face, but I asked him for a bit of effort and he showed me he was going to run well,” said Bowman.

“I didn’t really expect him to let down like he did but that was a lovely surprise. Saying that, he did have a smooth run in transit. I had a bit of a wide-ish draw but with the way the race unfolded, he found himself in a nice position without having to work too hard for it. He got into a lovely rhythm and that allowed him to let down the way he did.

“When a horse does that on their first outing, it’s always very encouraging. I thought he trialled better last time than he did before his first run but that comes with experience; I think we can go to the races this time with a bit more confidence of knowing what he’s capable of doing.”

Bowman also likes the chances of Dragon Air Force, who bids for a fifth win on Sha Tin’s all-weather surface in the Class Three Junction Handicap (1,650m).

The Ricky Yiu Poon-fai-trained gelding ran a pair of big races under Bowman earlier this campaign before he was forced to give up the ride due to illness, with Dylan Browne McMonagle being the beneficiary and riding him to victory two starts ago.

Bowman was back on board when he endured a nightmare trip over track and trip on his most recent outing, and he is looking for a smooth run on this occasion, though stall nine is no help to his chances.

“He had a dreadful run in transit and the race wasn’t run to suit, and that was the case in the race prior to the one he won as well,” said Bowman.

“I actually missed his win when I fell ill, but the horse is in great order. He’s probably on a rating now where he needs a bit of luck in running, but he’s in good form and is capable of winning.”

Nyx Gluck is another with a big chance for Bowman on Sunday’s card, with the son of Redwood looking for a second career win in the second section of the Class Four Nga Tsin Wai Handicap (1,200m).

A cosy winner of his fourth start for trainer Cody Mo Wai-kit, he has run a trio of good races in defeat since over the 1,400m distance, most recently when ridden by Bowman for the first time.

The 45-year-old learned plenty from that first sit on him, however, and is hoping a drop in trip can work the oracle.

“I really like this horse. He’s a bit tricky and he’s not straightforward, but what he does have is a big engine. I recommended we just try 1,200m because I just felt he was a bit too keen at the 1,400m trip, but he’s going really well,” said Bowman.

“He just needs a bit of luck in running, like every horse running here does.”

Cody Mo embraces the unconventional with the in-form Emblazon set for Hong Kong Derby
Four-year-old will make the rare leap from 1,400m to 2,000m in the city’s most coveted race next week

The lure of the BMW Hong Kong Derby often makes owners and trainers do unconventional things and that will be the case again when Emblazon lines up in the city’s most coveted race next week.

Cody Mo Wai-kit will embrace the unconventional when the in-form galloper steps out beyond 1,400m for the first time, jumping from seven furlongs to the 2,000m of the Derby on Sunday week.

While it is certainly not the traditional path to the HK$26 million feature, it is not completely uncharted territory for a four-year-old to make such a significant leap in trip in the Derby.

Two years ago, Galaxy Patch jumped from the 1,400m of the Group One Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup to the Derby and almost pulled off the rare feat when he ran on from last to fall a neck short of Massive Sovereign in second.

His case was even more unconventional after he raced over the straight 1,000m just three weeks before the Derby.

In 2018, Ping Hai Star achieved what Emblazon will bid to do when he jumped from seven furlongs to the Derby trip, storming home from last to bag a famous victory for master trainer John Size.

In what shapes as a wide-open edition of the Derby, Emblazon arrives in red-hot form with five wins and a second from his six starts this season.

“The horse is much improved this season. He’s won five times up to 1,400m and I think he will handle the Derby trip fine,” Mo said.

“I think if we can get him in the box seat, I think he will see it out strongly.

“I think the way he settles will really help him – he’s been so consistent. I’m just going to try and keep him happy and healthy before the Derby. A lot depends on the draw but I trust Jerry [Chau Chun-lok] will do a great job on him – they get on really well.”

Emblazon will be the second Derby runner for Mo, whose first runner Markwin was well beaten last year, and second ride in the race for Chau, who finished fourth aboard Chill Chibi in 2024.

The son of Zoustar’s presence will be one of the most interesting subplots to the Derby, while another is the expected absence of champion jockey Zac Purton from the race.

After hopping off Sagacious Life after his distant last in the Classic Cup (1,800m) and no strong chances available, Purton looks set to be watching the final leg of the Classic Series from the weighing room.

China Win was perhaps Purton’s last shot at securing a Derby ride, but the David Hayes-trained gelding’s hopes of making the field were dashed when he ran a neck second to Fallon at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

The Classic Series has been a disaster for Purton, who jumped off eventual winner Little Paradise – citing a distance query – among others to ride Sagacious Life in the Classic Mile.

Little Paradise dispelled Purton’s concerns with a stunning victory, while Sagacious Life could only manage fourth before dropping out in the Classic Cup after racing keenly and copping a check at the 200m.

Karis Teetan will replace Purton on Pierre Ng Pang-chi’s Sagacious Life. Top Dragon, a three-time winner under Purton, will be ridden by Andrea Atzeni in the Derby.

Ball bound for Champions Day
Japanese stayer Masquerade Ball is expected to make the trip to Hong Kong for the Group One QE II Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin on April 26.

Connections of the Group One Tenno Sho (2,000m) winner and Group One Japan Cup (2,400m) runner-up opted to skip this month’s Dubai World Cup meeting with the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

He is expected to be among FWD Champions Day entries, which close on Monday.

Japan’s four-time Group One winner Jantar Mantar could also make the trip to Hong Kong for the Group One Champions Mile. He struggled on his first trip to the city when 13th to Voyage Bubble in the Group One Hong Kong Mile in 2024.

David Hayes eyes final bid for a Hong Kong Derby berth with China Win at Happy Valley
Australian handler has one last chance at city circuit to get his four-year-old into the city’s most coveted race

David Hayes is chasing a last-minute Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) berth with China Win at Happy Valley on Wednesday night when he looks to triumph for the third consecutive time in the Class Three Lyttelton Handicap (1,800m).

China Win was withdrawn on the eve of his last start due to an irregular heart rhythm, which threw Derby plans into doubt for the 67-rated galloper.

The son of Super Seth has been working well since the scratching and has trialled eight days out from the upcoming run where he finished third, ridden conservatively by Zac Purton.

“It was a bit of a head scratcher that he had a heart fibrillation in the morning and then by the afternoon he was fine, but it was too late and he had to be scratched, which killed our Derby plan. We really would love him to win for the owners on Wednesday,” said Hayes.

At his two starts prior, he has recorded wins over 1,800m by two and a half lengths at Sha Tin over Audacious Pursuit, and a short head when stepping up to Class Three company at Happy Valley over Liveandletlive.

Hayes is buoyed by the barrier draw of three, where he will jump with Purton on board carrying 121lb.

“Perfect barrier, couldn’t have chosen a better one,” said Hayes.

“He needs to win – he’ll probably be the favourite. His track work this morning was really good, so good barrier, he’ll be hard to beat. Zac’s riding him, so after that we’ll just see if he’s in the Derby or not in the Derby.”

Currently sitting third on the championship ladder beside Mark Newnham on 36 wins, three behind leader Caspar Fownes on 39, Hayes has a strong hand on Wednesday night.

Bienvenue also steps out with Purton on board and looks ready to win when he contests the Class Three Craigengower Cricket Club Challenge Cup (1,200m).

Beaten three quarters of a length by Outgate last start at the track and distance when breaking from barrier eleven, Hayes is looking forward to seeing him jump from barrier one on Wednesday.

“He was a little bit unlucky last start. With Zac on, they should get beautiful runs from there. I’m very happy, he’ll be very competitive,” Hayes said.

Metro Power will have the services of James Orman once again, this time on the seven-day backup in the first section of the Class Three Bonham Handicap (1,200m). He tracked the speed and kept on well for second to Amazing Kid last week.

“He’s on the quick back up, probably ran a career best the other day. I think he’ll run a similar race. He’s got great gate speed, he’ll make his own luck and he’ll be there for a long time,” said Hayes.

Harry Bentley rides for Hayes in both sections of the Class Four Hatton Handicap (1,650m).

Stellar Swift steps up in trip for the first time this season when he contests the first section, after racing at 1,400m for his previous three starts.

“He sends all the messages that he needs a mile. He’s a Happy Valley winner and looking forward to seeing him at the distance,” said Hayes.

Dashing Maurison has been improving with the step up in distance and will race at the city circuit for just the second time in the second section.

“I reckon he will just keep getting better with racing. I think he’ll end up a good Happy Valley horse, but he’ll probably need the experience,” Hayes said.

Supreme Feeling, Starry Show and Leaping Star round out Hayes’ chances at the city circuit.

Andrea Atzeni lands four-timer as he prepares to become a father for the first time
Sardinian jockey celebrates his best winning haul in Hong Kong before rushing off as his fiancé goes into labour

Andrea Atzeni scored a sensational four-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday, headlined by Endued’s gutsy win in the Class Three Kowloon Tong Club Trophy (1,600m), before he quickly shot off to welcome his first child into the world.

The Sardinian jockey has enjoyed many four-timers in Europe, but this was the first occasion that he has achieved the feat in Hong Kong, and the day was made even sweeter by the news that his fiancé Emma was in labour as the card drew to a close.

Atzeni was victorious in three consecutive races early on the card and capped his four-timer when Endued recorded his second win this season and first in Class Three company.

“It was brilliant. I’m picking nice rides and the support is coming. You know what it’s like here – you can never look back; you have to keep looking forward,” said Atzeni.

From the outside draw of 14, Atzeni took luck out of the equation by pushing Endued forward to race outside the leader Violet Star, before taking over in the straight and holding off the fast-finishing Smart Avenue to score by a head.

“He was threatening to do that. He’s had no luck with draws and we took a chance today and went forward and, luckily, it worked out,” Atzeni said.

Atzeni’s Sunday success kicked off in the Class Five Somerset Handicap (1,400m) aboard Tony Cruz’s $18.05 shot He Was Me, which was the first leg of a treble for the trainer.

Sitting a clear second behind the sizeable lead of Smart Engineer, Atzeni closed the gap and ran past the leader before holding off the closers by a pair of noses in a three-way photo with General Smart and The Concentration.

“I thought that [Juicy Dragon and Good Chap] on the all-weather track had great chances. Obviously Cruz’s had a chance too, it ran well the last time,” said Atzeni.

Atzeni struck in the following race on dirt on Juicy Dragon, who impressed in winning the first section of the Class Four Rutland Handicap (1,200m) by one and a quarter lengths.

Trainer Manfred Man Ka-leung applied visors for the first time to the lightly weighted son of Territories, who has been a consistent performer at the track and distance.

Sitting midfield during the run, the four-year-old made plenty of ground in the straight to comfortably account for Ace Power.

“The last two runs, he was a bit unfortunate. In my mind, he’s much better on the dirt than the grass and in this race he carried no weight which has helped. I think he can still improve but I don’t know how much, we will have to see,” said Man.

Good Chap provided David Hall with the first leg of a double – with Magnifique saluting later on the card in the Class Three Cornwall Handicap (1,200m) on dirt – when driven home by Atzeni in the second section of the Class Four Rutland Handicap.

The decision to stay on board the son of Deep Field after declining the request to ride race rival King Dance was vindicated when he won by a length and quarter.

Settled behind the leaders in midfield, a wide trip had no bearing on the result for the in-form five-year-old, who gobbled up the ground down the middle of the track to salute.

Good Chap made it back-to-back victories at the course and distance, thanks to a change to the all-weather surface and the application of blinkers.

“I think he’s just one of those horses that’s really found his mark with the blinkers and also the all-weather track. Deep Field’s fields tend to love the surface and they love a set of blinkers,” said Hall.

Atzeni has been in stellar form at the track, enjoying two trebles already this year. The 34-year-old has been steadily closing the gap on Hugh Bowman for second place in the jockeys’ championship, with Atzeni now sitting on 35 wins behind Bowman’s 39, who also saluted on Yee Cheong Glory on Sunday.