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Every cloud has a silver lining for in-form Fownes

Global jockeys and horses are rolling into HK as the build-up to FWD Champions Day continues and the key points to note are as follows:

First, the weather has been distinctly ropey with loads more rain predicted right through to Sunday’s Sha Tin showpiece featuring three G1s worth well over £7m.

Second, the biggest riding star in town has been under a mini cloud, with champion jockey Zac Purton now winless in three meetings after failing to reach a place from his ten weekend rides.

Third, Caspar Fownes is on a hot streak, following last Wednesday’s 1,100th success with a Saturday Sha Tin treble.

And fourth, Britain’s three challengers for Sunday’s G1 contests will step up their preparation on Wednesday morning, with Dubai Honour (QEII Cup) set to gallop on turf and Believing (Chairman’s Sprint Prize) and Brave Emperor (Mile) due for AW exercise.

Front-running Fire to hold back the Waves

The Wednesday weather forecast is nothing flash and experience suggests the Valley track will ride well enough provided there isn’t a late deluge for a nine-race card featuring several points of interest.

I’m not sure what to make of the featured Korea Racing Authority Trophy at 1.40 other than that habitual blazers Nervous Witness, Whizz Kid, Harmony N Blessed and Majestic Knight look sure to make it an explosive affair.

But the opening Jeju Handicap (11.40) features an intriguing rematch between BEAUTY WAVES and HARMONY FIRE.

Irish import Beauty Waves had the edge over course and distance recently, pouncing late under a confident Purton, but Harmony Fire has a 5lb pull for half a length.

More importantly, Harmony Fire might get a tactical edge this time. Useful 10lb claimer Ellis Wong let Douglas Whyte’s reliable gelding roll round the home turn four weeks ago – clocking a fiery 21.13s split in the process – but if he secures a softer lead in a smaller field here he can set the jolly a tricky target.

Wong and Long to be on song

CAN’T GO WONG and GOLDEN LONG are the other two who take the eye on Wednesday’s card.

Purton and Snowalot are bound to corner plenty of support for the Incheon Handicap (2.10) after a space saving course and distance win but Frankie Lor’s Can’t Go Wong is in equally fine form – following a decisive Valley success with a solid third at Sha Tin – and stall 3 looks ideal as he returns to the city track.

Lastly this Wednesday, a few words about one of the strongest draw biases in the entire HK catalogue.

Put simply, those drawn high in 1200m contests when the rail is out wide in the C plus 3 setting tend to find life very difficult indeed.

But Can’t Go Wong’s stablemate Golden Long has drawn perfectly in stall 3 for the Busan Handicap (3.15) and the promise he’s shown on several occasions – including in a hot Class 3 at Sha Tin last time – make him a prime contender as he returns to Class 4 company with Derek Leung aboard.

Wednesday’s Valley Views

11.40: Harmony Fire

2.10: Can’t Go Wong

3.15: Golden Long

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