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Francis Lui went a long way to boosting his trainers’ championship defence with a four-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday (8 December) and the affable horseman takes a team of three to Happy Valley on Wednesday night (11 December) as he aims to keep the ball rolling.
Lui's quartet sees him reach 16 wins from 144 runners across 27 of the 88 scheduled race meetings this term, with only five handlers currently ahead of him: Pierre Ng (23 wins), David Hayes (20), Mark Newnham (20), Danny Shum (19) and Caspar Fownes (18).
The 65-year-old – crowned Hong Kong Champion Trainer (2023/24) – won the first three races at Sha Tin with Happy Park, Packing Angel and Divano before star talent Packing Hermod posted a fourth win at only his fifth start in the last race.
"I'm very happy. Happy to win for the owners on Sunday," Lui said. "He (Packing Hermod) has potential. We're planning for the Four-Year-Old Classic Series with him."
Sired by Rubick, Packing Hermod sits on a career-high mark of 93 after winning his first race in Class 2 last weekend. The HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series comprises the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) and HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m).
"I think I will give him one more race – there is a Class 2 over 1400 metres in the middle of January before the Classic Mile (on 31 January, 2025). He keeps improving," Lui said.
Leading the handler's trio at the city circuit is Hameron, who features in the HK$2.05 million Class 3 Sea Eagle Handicap (1650m) under Vincent Ho in barrier five, seeking a third win.
"He looks like he has improved a little bit. He's not a big horse, he's a little horse, and he always has a big weight," Lui said.
Do Your Part features for Lui in the HK$1.86 million Class 3 Nightjar Handicap (1000m), while Brave Joy debuts in the HK$1.17 million Class 4 Albatross Handicap (1200m).
The midweek programme includes the HK$1.17 million Class 4 Hong Kong Golf Club Centenary Cup Handicap (1800m) where Kingly Demeanor rises in grade chasing a hat-trick.
Jockey Keith Yeung said: "He's really good and he's improved a lot this season. Seems he is a very easy horse to ride, just go forward and he will not stop. After (trainer) Tony (Cruz) took the hood off him he has been doing great ever since then."
The 42-rater – bought out of the Hong Kong International Sale – breaks from gate four against 11 rivals. He steps back in trip from 2200m last start where he scored by a head.
"I thought that the outside (horse) was going to catch me at the 200 (metre mark) but as he heard the other horse come, he just kicked again – he has a great heart," Yeung said.
Yeung takes six rides at Happy Valley as he aims to build on a productive start to the 2024/25 racing season with eight wins under his belt.
"It seems like he (Kingly Demeanor) enjoys being out in front and he loves the challenge. He always gives his best," Yeung said. "It's always great when you have put so much effort into your training, study and preparation, and to be repaid in a good way. I'm always grateful for the people who support me and give me advice."
Karis Teetan takes eight rides at Happy Valley, including Sturdy Ruby for trainer Manfred Man in the HK$1.17 million Class 4 Mesia Handicap (1650m).
"It's nice to get back on him. It seems like he's ran pretty well this season," Teetan said. "The draw gives him a chance. He's always shown that he is a horse that was always going to get better. I think this season has shown that he's taken a step forward."
Wednesday's (11 December) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley kicks off at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Sand Martin Handicap (2200m).