Better draw can see South African import get off the mark in Hong Kong

King’s Trooper
1.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Arcada
2.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Chefano
2.50 Happy Valley
2pts win

Former champion trainer John Moore has put a lot of time into paving the way to a first Hong Kong win for Chefano, who is a rare recruit for his stable from South Africa.

The five-year-old’s big chance comes in the 1m1f handicap (2.50) at Happy Valley, in which he faces 11 rivals, including two last-start winners.

Moore took delivery of Chefano last season in a stable switch from Tony Millard and he has spent many hours since trying to find the right race for him.

Chefano was gelded following a reasonable effort in finishing fourth at the Valley over 1m½f in July, and in his two subsequent starts there have been definite signs he is nearing a win. Twice successful in his native South Africa, he is 0-7 in Hong Kong.

Drawn poorly in 14 in a 1m1f handicap at Sha Tin last time out, he came from the rear to flash home for fourth, beaten a length and three-quarters. Now drawn better in gate seven, and with Zac Purton regaining the ride, he can open his Hong Kong account.

Millard can also get among the winners with Arcada, who will have the benefit of Alfie Chan’s 10lb claim in the 1m½f handicap (2.15).

Withdrawn from a scheduled engagement two weeks ago after becoming fractious in the stalls, he has since trialled satisfactorily and can hit the target.

Joao Moreira has established a handy lead in the jockeys’ championship and can strike on the Ricky Yiu-trained King’s Trooper in the 6f handicap (1.15).

He should handle an 8lb rise in the handicap and make it two wins in a row.

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