This season’s Group racing gets underway at Sha Tin on Sunday (22 September) with the running of the G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m), where game veteran Healthy Happy is aiming for a second straight win in the HK$4.2 million feature.
One of seven entries for the race, Healthy Happy scooped last year’s prize first-up from out in front against five rivals as the race’s longest odds chance. Trainer Frankie Lor has prepared the eight-year-old – who has five wins in Hong Kong – with a pair of trials at Conghua.
“He’s fresh. Usually in his first start every season he runs well. Matthew Chadwick is on this weekend,” Lor said.
Healthy Happy has banked HK$22.02 million for connections. His biggest wins came in the 2021 Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), 2022 G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m) and this race last year.
Healthy Happy’s two trials at Conghua have been on turf over 1200m, clocking 1m 11.33s (29 August) and 1m 10.92s (13 September).
“I hope he can run good. He’s done well across his career. I’ll look for more 1400 metre races after this one – it’s his best distance,” Lor said.
Taj Dragon, Flying Ace, Packing Treadmill, The Golden Scenery, Chiu Chow Spirit and Wonder Kit also hold entries for Sunday’s contest. Taj Dragon is the only other Group 3 winner in the race having claimed the 2024 Chinese Club Challenge Cup at Sha Tin.