Hong Kong diary: Graham Cunningham casts his eye over the festive action

The first phase of a new trainer's life in Hong Kong lies in trying to rejuvenate recruits from other yards, while the second is producing unraced horses to shine first time out.

Douglas Whyte did a sound job of passing phase one and phase two could hardly be going better after the 13-times champion jockey made it three from three with his debutants at Sha Tin on Saturday.

Will Power was well backed when obliging a week earlier, while Inner Flame's win early on Saturday's card was followed by Xponential popping up at 47-1.

"I've indicated for a while that it was going to be exciting when my new ones stepped out and they're all running the races I expected them to," Whyte said.

"It's been four months of having to sit on my hands but I've learned that horses always reward you if you give them time."

Badel on the up as Dragon blows hot

Whyte seems to be forming a solid bond with Alexis Badel and the popular French rider has repaid the faith.

The pair have recorded three wins and three places together so far, with the promise of more to come based on the way Inner Flame bounded clear.

They combine again with I'm The Conquist in race one and Victory Power in race five at Happy Valley on Boxing Day.

Badel, recently joined in Hong Kong by partner Eva and new baby Rebecca, is high on confidence after sealing a Saturday double aboard the Tony Millard-trained Glorious Dragon.

Glorious Dragon: won with Alexis Badel aboard at Sha TinCredit: Edward Whitaker

This likeable grey, previously named Stephensons Rocket when showing useful form for Ed Walker in the UK, threaded his way through a narrow gap under a daring ride from Badel to foil the heavily-backed Chefano in Saturday's featured Beas River Handicap.

Still only four, he is clearly thriving under Millard and has already won the thick end of £450,000 for two wins and two places since he started his Hong Kong career a little over ten months ago.

Private on parade with 2020 Derby in mind

Private Secretary is one of the more interesting British imports of recent times and will be worth keeping a close eye on when he makes his debut in Thursday's feature Chai Wan Kok Handicap (2.15).

The three-year-old has trialled well since making the switch and will become the first son of Kingman to run in Hong Kong.

He showed smart form for John Gosden to wear down Spanish Mission in Listed company at Goodwood before finishing a solid fourth behind Japan in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.

There is little doubt Private Secretary has been bought with the 2020 Hong Kong Derby in mind. If he can go close on debut for Tony Cruz off a Hong Kong mark of 87 then he is a very bright prospect, but a mile looks his minimum trip in a hot Class 2 with several big dangers.

The Hulk and Super Oasis will also be heading down the Derby trail if they shine against Private Secretary.

Private Secretary: has joined Tony Cruz in Hong KongCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Franke Lor-trained Super Oasis finished third in the Australian Derby when known as Surely Sacred and caught the eye on Hong Kong debut.

He travelled strongly on the pace for a long way before finishing fifth in a truly-run race at Sha Tin won by leading Derby hope More Than This. Stall 12 is a concern but Super Oasis looks bound to make his mark in Hong Kong over the next few months.

The Hulk will be very popular given how well his close second to Glorious Dragon at Happy Valley this month is working out. Silvestre de Sousa was aboard that night and the pair looked all set for victory until Glorious Dragon swooped close home.

A 2lb rise looks fair and he should get every chance to show his best again with Joao Moreira at the helm.

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