 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Danny Shum Chap-shing believes that Chill Chibi's performance in Happy Valley on Wednesday night will enhance his chances in the Hong Kong Derby. With three consecutive wins under his belt, Shum is confident in Chill Chibi's ability to strengthen his credentials for the upcoming race.
Chill Chibi, a three-time winner in four starts, will attempt to secure his place in the Derby by competing in the Class Three Dunnottar Castle Handicap. This race will be the first time he stretches to 1,800m.
“If he wins tomorrow, he’ll be rated 80 plus, and I’m quite confident he can get a ticket into the Derby,” Shum said. “It’s a big challenge, but I’m looking forward to taking it on.”
Chill Chibi made a strong comeback in February after being narrowly beaten on his debut over 1,650m in January. On his return to the races, he settled at the back of the pack and surged ahead to claim a Class Three victory.
In his latest outing in the Hanshin Handicap, he once again emerged victorious, with Jockey Jerry Chau Chun-lok guiding him to a three-quarters of a length win. As he prepares for the upcoming Hong Kong Classic, Chill Chibi will need to overcome his next challenge before potentially progressing to the Classic Mile and Classic Cup.
“At the moment, I can’t see too many good horses for the Derby. That’s only at this stage, and it could change in the next two or three months,” Shum said. “I’m really confident he’ll get 2,000m. It’s only the change of track which will be different, going to Sha Tin from Happy Valley.”
Chill Chibi's regular jockey, Chau, will partner with the unexposed gelding on Wednesday night. While trainer Shum has high hopes for Chill Chibi, Chau is taking it one step at a time.
“At this stage, I think it’s too early to mention the Derby,” Chau said. “He definitely has the potential, and he always tries his best. I’m looking forward to riding him again.
“Last time he was very impressive. In the early stages, he couldn’t catch up with the fast pace, but he started picking up in the middle stage. In the straight, he showed his turn of foot. I was really happy.”
In addition to his promising performances on the racetrack, Chill Chibi has been making waves during his trackwork. Trainer Shum has even chosen to pair the 4YO with Romantic Warrior, the 2,040m Gr.1 Cox Plate champion.
“Danny put him with Romantic Warrior. I led in the trackwork, and when Romantic Warrior was coming, Chill Chibi just went. He really enjoyed working with a champion,” Chau said.
“I think 1,800m will be better for him. He’s very calm and casual. In the straight, he always shows his best, and I think he’s a very good horse.”
Chau currently has seven wins for the season and will be riding in the city circuit with an impressive lineup of races. This includes Son Pak Fu, a specialist at Happy Valley, who will be competing in the Class Two Eilean Castle Handicap.
“I’ve got a lot of good horses to ride on Wednesday. I’m looking forward to riding Son Pak Fu,” Chau said. “He has been unlucky and got a bad draw again but last time was the same. We were sitting behind and luckily the pace was fast, which was good for him. Hopefully, he can do the same on Wednesday.”