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| Staff Writer |
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After fully immersing himself in the excitement of international week as a spectator, Angus Chung Yik-lai is eagerly anticipating his return to the action at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.
Chung, who was ineligible to participate in four Longines International Jockeys' Championship races last Wednesday and four Group One races on Sunday, decided to serve his suspension for careless riding during the busiest week of racing in the city.
“I went to the races Wednesday and Sunday with my boss [Tony Cruz] and some owners. It was good to see the big-name jockeys riding, and those three local horses [were amazing],” Chung said, referencing star riders like Ryan Moore and Maxime Guyon and brilliant Hong Kong horses Golden Sixty, Romantic Warrior and Lucky Sweynesse. “But it’s good to be back. I can’t wait for my next winner.”
Chung, who is currently fourth in the premiership with 19 victories, is confident of his winning chances at the midweek meeting. He hopes to make the most out of the opportunity before commencing another ban on 26th December.
The trainer, Richards, is optimistic about his horse's performance at the upcoming race at the Valley. Chung will be riding Atomic Energy for the Class Three Choi Wan Handicap after the galloper's second place finish with Alexis Badel in the previous race. Chung had previously ridden the 4YO twice last season, winning twice out of eight rides.
“I think he’s a big chance to win,” Chung said of Cruz’s Atomic Energy, who he hopes can get a nice midfield run from gate one.
“Probably this race has a bit of pace, which will be suitable for him because he’s not very balanced if you try to hold him around the turn. If the pace is on, then he’s smoother, and he should perform very well.”
In tonight's two Class Fives, Chung has the opportunity to ride two horses. He will be riding Happy Horse, the last-start winner trained by Manfred Man Ka-leung in the Ngau Tau Kok Handicap and Regency Happy Star, a horse trained by Cruz in the Sau Mau Ping Handicap.
“I don’t think the field is very strong, and Happy Horse has a big chance to win again. He put the pacifiers on last start and he settled a bit more. I think he should run well again,” Chung said.
“Regency Happy Star has been pretty unfortunate his past couple of starts. I don’t think the pace has been very suitable for him, but I think this race is going to be quicker compared to his past couple of starts. It should suit him and hopefully he can perform well.”
In addition, Chung will be joined by Serangoon, Up And Up, You’remyeverything, and Superb Capitalist for the midweek card.