Manfred Man is optimistic Lucky Sweynesse can secure G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) triumph at Sha Tin on Sunday (5 February) to further erase memories of the star speedster’s frustrating G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) experience.
Sent off a short-priced favourite in the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint on 11 December, Lucky Sweynesse was badly held up for clear running in finishing sixth behind 2021/22 Hong Kong Champion Sprinter Wellington, who again looms as a major obstacle this Sunday.
With 21 wins for the season so far, 65-year-old Man craves elite achievement with a horse he rates at least the equal of any other galloper he has trained and he is keen to move on from Lucky Sweynesse’s most recent G1 assignment.
“It was just bad luck. In the straight he was just stuck inside but racing is racing – what can you say?” Man mused. “Everything is fine with Lucky Sweynesse. He’s on fire.”
Lucky Sweynesse rebounded strongly with G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m) victory on 1 January, while restoring the confidence of Man, who won the Centenary Sprint Cup in 2012 and 2013 with Eagle Regiment.
Pitted against seven rivals this weekend, Lucky Sweynesse starts from barrier eight under Zac Purton, while Wellington will seek a fifth Group 1 victory after jumping from gate five for Alexis Badel.