Fresh from a Happy Valley double, Pierre Ng will bid to add further impetus to an impressive start to the season by throwing down the gauntlet to champion sprinter Lucky Sweynesse with Duke Wai in the G2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (22 October).
Fourth in the G3 Korea Sprint (1200m, sand) behind Japan’s Remake – who set a course record – in Seoul on 10 September, Duke Wai (117lb) returns to Sha Tin on Sunday when he will face Lucky Sweynesse (135lb), Sight Success (121lb), Victor The Winner (118lb), Stoltz (117lb) and Adios (115lb).
“He (Duke Wai) travelled back brilliantly (from Seoul). It was the second trip (overseas) for him and he handles it well. We trialled him last week, which he won and he finished very well. We’ve got the gear (pacifier with cowls) on for him, similar to the Korean race,” said Ng, who leads the 2023/24 Hong Kong trainers’ championship with 11 wins.
“With the light weight, I hope he gets maximum pace. So let’s see how he goes. It’s (going to be) difficult, but with the light weight advantage, that’s a big help.”