Nearing 100 career wins in Hong Kong, championship-leading trainer Mark Newnham is hoping to convert on Wednesday (3 December) at Happy Valley when Lunar Dash (135lb) takes his place in the second section of the Class 4 Tai Tam Handicap (1200m).

Expatriate trainer Newnham has adapted to Hong Kong racing easily, posting 98 winners in the city after arriving ahead of the 2023/24 season. He saddles seven chances tomorrow evening, led by lightly-raced sprinter Lunar Dash’s pairing with Zac Purton.

“He’s been consistent this season. He gets around the Valley well; he’s done well since his last start, but he’s come up with a difficult barrier (nine) again,” Newnham said. “He lost focus in the straight the other day – he wanted to run out under pressure, so hopefully this (first-time cheek pieces) straightens him up a little bit.”

Street Boss gelding Lunar Dash won first-up prior to finishing second behind Run Run Smart on 5 November. Newnham’s four-year-old has one win from four starts, while the trainer has an unmatched 23 wins this season, four clear of nearest rival David Hayes (19).  

“There was a lot of interference in the race going into the first turn (last start), of which, he didn’t suffer a lot of that, but he did race fairly tight for a fair distance. He’s only a lightly raced horse, so he didn’t cope particularly well,” Newnham said.

Hollie Doyle is another readying for a busy night with six mounts, featuring Double Win (123lb) in the Class 4 Shek Lei Pui Handicap (2200m) for trainer Manfred Man.

“He got up late last time around at Sha Tin. He’s taking on Happy Valley this time, but he has a bit of form there in his first season here. He’s up in distance by 200 metres as well, which will definitely help him – the further the better,” Doyle said. “Manfred’s been great – he’s given me plenty of rides and plenty of support.” 

Vincent Ho is aiming to maintain his momentum when he links with Hong Kong International Sale graduate Perfect General (132lb) in the Class 4 American Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1200m) for trainer Caspar Fownes.

“He trialled really well. He jumped well and his early speed was lovely, and then he finished off very nicely. He’s a nice horse to get on, for sure. Although the draw (11) isn’t too ideal, but he does have the form there with good ability,” Ho said. “I remember I rode him into third once and he gave me a good feeling.”

Ho has 13 wins this season, headlined by five from his past 18 rides. The local ace is striking at 11.3% as he aims to climb the championship table.

Renowned for an association with champion Ambitious Dragon, Maxime Guyon began a short-term licence last Sunday (30 November) with five rides, and he gears up for a further six tomorrow night at Happy Valley.

“The first year I came to Hong Kong I won the Hong Kong Derby (2000m) with Ambitious Dragon (in 2011). It was amazing to win,” Guyon said. “It’s been a very long time since I last came to Hong Kong. I’m really happy to come back.” 

Guyon, 36, is chasing a third HK$26 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) win on 14 December when he rides Sosie for the legendary Andre Fabre.

“I think I have a chance; I have Sosie. He has run really good twice in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1, 2400m). He has won two Group 1s this year, so he has amazing form and good ground is much better for him. He’s very easy to ride, and we know Mr Fabre doesn’t come for nothing,” Guyon said.

Wednesday’s (3 December) eight-race fixture at Happy Valley begins at 7.10pm with the Class 5 Lau Shui Heung Handicap (1000m).