Leading the trainers’ championship on 20 wins, Pierre Ng is confident Taj Dragon can overcome Happy Valley’s nuances when he contests the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Tokyo Handicap (1650m) under jockey Zac Purton on Wednesday night (15 November).
A three-time winner from 10 starts at Sha Tin, Taj Dragon (121lb) tackles the city circuit’s unique turns, undulations and electric atmosphere for the first time with a class and distance-rising task from barrier eight against the likes of Telecom Fighters (135lb), Helene Feeling (125lb), Galaxy Witness (120lb), Hameron (120lb) and more.
“He’s (Taj Dragon) brilliant after his last run. The only problem is that it’s his first time over this distance and with a wide gate. I think we’ll have to preserve him in the run.
“I don’t think he’ll have any concerns handling Happy Valley. He’s been there to trial and he’s travelled before, so it shouldn’t be a problem,” Ng said.
Ng, who is in sizzling form with eight wins from the last three fixtures, has assembled yet another menacing team of nine for tomorrow’s card as he aims to increase his six-win lead over Francis Lui, Danny Shum and Frankie Lor – who each have 14 wins so far.