Finding an extra edge is vital for any jockey aiming to make it big in Hong Kong and Vincent Ho has turned to what some people call the sweet science as he bids to make the most of a strong start to the season.

The former champion apprentice is well known for his demanding gym regime – which often includes pull-ups while hanging upside down from a high bar – but the desire to ensure his reactions are razor sharp has seen him don the boxing gloves.

A recent four-timer at Sha Tin ensured that Ho heads to Happy Valley on Wednesday (October 24th) third in the jockeys’ table with 11 wins from 80 rides and the Tony Cruz-trained Double Valentine (123lb) looks among the pick of his mounts when he bids to get the better of a re-match with impressive course-and-distance scorer Perfect Glory in section two of the Class 3 Perfect Gear Handicap over 1200m.

Double Valentine’s sole success from 20 Hong Kong starts came over 1200m at the Valley last season but Ho feels the grey can come off the ropes a better horse after being gelded during the summer.

“He’s found trouble several times – even on the day he won back in June – and he was pretty badly checked when he finished sixth behind Perfect Glory two weeks ago,” he said.

“But Double Valentine seems a lot more concentrated since he was gelded. He’s very capable when he gets a smooth run and if he gets a good pace to run at from stall nine I think he ought to have a bright chance.”

Ho cites the unbeaten Floyd “Money” Mayweather as his favourite professional fighter to watch, though he is also a big fan of the UFC, and further success over the next few weeks will earn him a chance to take on racing’s world champions in the LONGINES International Jockeys Championship at the city track on December 5th.

“Boxing is probably the toughest training I’ve ever had but it’s great for improving your reactions and co-ordination and it’s also much more enjoyable than just working hard on a machine,” said Ho. “

“It’s good to set short and long-term goals and the IJC is certainly something I’m aiming at this season,” he added. “My main long-term goal is to try and become one of the top riders in the world. I know it won’t be easy, but I have good support from a few stables and the IJC would give me a great chance to take on some of my idols.”

Glory shoots for Perfect five

It takes a smart horse to make a winning Hong Kong debut in Class 3 company at the Valley but Perfect Glory turned heads when doing so on his first run for Caspar Fownes. Jockey Chad Schofield is optimistic that the Snitzel gelding, who won three out of three in Australia, can confirm the form with Double Valentine despite top weight (133lb).

Schofield produced Perfect Glory with a withering run between horses in a rough race and is confident there is more to come despite a 7lb hike in the weights.

“Perfect Glory took me a little by surprise in winning like that but he did it in impressive fashion,” he said. “He showed me a good turn-of-foot and although he has to do it with top-weight this time he’s nicely drawn in stall five and I’m hoping he can run over the top of them again.”

Schofield partners another top-weight with solid recent winning form in race three and has no shortage of confidence again as Impeccable Fellow (133lb) bids to live up to his name in the Flying Elite Handicap (1650m).

Richard Gibson’s Hong Kong International Sale graduate enjoyed a dream run over course and distance three weeks ago and now faces several of those he beat again, including Electric Lightning (131lb) and Little Island (120lb).

However, Schofield feels there was “a touch of dominance” about that success. “He’s drawn nicely again in stall 2,” he added. “He burst through and put the race away very well, so I can’t see any reason why he can’t go and do it again.”

Purton looks to Man pair

Zac Purton was yet another rider to endure traffic problems in the race won by Perfect Glory but Manfred Man’s Jade Theatre did well to finish second after being badly squeezed close home and has drawn the inside barrier as he bids to make amends in the first section of the Class 3 Perfect Gear Handicap.

“Jade Theatre got into a scrimmage in the last 75 metres,” said the champion jockey. “It put him off balance but he’s been knocking on the door and is due for a win.”

Purton links up with another Man-trained sprinter in the Class 4 Windicator Handicap (1200m) and, after finishing placed in two previous attempts aboard Roman Odyssey, the Aussie is hoping third time proves the charm.

“He’s had a few issues but his first-up run over 1000m was good,” he added. “He seems fit and healthy, and he should get a good run from gate five, so let’s hope he can produce his best.”

Clipperton still buzzing

Sam Clipperton has worn out the replay button on his TV remote control since Sunday while savouring Hot King Prawn’s thrilling G2 Premier Bowl success and is looking forward to getting aboard another speedy John Size sprinter when Noble Delight carries top-weight (133lb) in the night’s trophy race, the Class 4 LONGINES Cup (1000m).

Karis Teetan was at the controls when Noble Delight scored twice over 1200m at the Valley in the summer but Clipperton feels the step down to the minimum trip shouldn’t be a major concern.

He said: “Noble Delight will take improvement from this first run, but he’s got the winning desire and I think he can run a nice race.”

“It was awesome to be part of Hot King Prawn’s success,” he added. “He’s a real tradesman who walks around full of confidence, which I love to see in any horse. I’ve watched the video plenty of times since and didn’t get much sleep on Sunday night – I was buzzing like an old fridge!”

The Happy Valley action starts at 7.15pm on Wednesday night with the Class 5 Starlit Knight Handicap.