Our ambassador takes a break from winter commitments in Japan to journey within the Worldwide Jockey’s Problem in Hong Kong on Wednesday, dwell on Sky Sports activities Racing.
Out to make historical past in Hong Kong problem
I merely cannot wait to return to Pleased Valley in Hong Kong on Wednesday for my fifth look on the 2024 Longines Worldwide Jockeys’ Championship (IJC), dwell on Sky Sports activities Racing. It is such a thrill to be invited again to compete towards most of the world’s high jockeys.
Representing Nice Britain is all the time particular and I will be flying the house flag with Ryan Moore and William Buick. The competitors will likely be intense, nevertheless, with New Zealand’s James McDonald, French ace Mickael Barzalona and Eire’s champion Colin Keane among the many 12 riders vying for the best factors tally throughout 4 races.
Each Australian-based Rachel King and I’ve the chance to turn into the primary feminine to win the Problem outright – an achievement that might completely spherical off one other satisfying yr at residence and overseas.
Turning into the primary feminine jockey to win a race on the Problem in 2020 on Concord N Blessed, after I completed joint-third total, was a particular second and going one higher the yr after with an equal second place was additionally a proud achievement, so I can not wait to see what occurs on Wednesday.
Hoping Circus can reel them in
Within the first leg (12.10), my mount Circus Reel should overcome a excessive draw. David Corridor’s sprinter ran effectively final time when dropping again to the minimal distance so hopefully has the gate pace to make his mark on this 5f sprint.
Unexposed after solely three begins in Hong Kong, he is a horse who likes to be dropped in for a late run so if the race unfolds to swimsuit his racing model he may simply discover sufficient to submit a telling end.
Sixth Technology is my journey within the second leg (12.40), a handicap over the prolonged 1m, however the draw has once more been unkind. Barrier 11 goes to make life troublesome for a horse who comes right here on the again of a decent fourth on the All-Climate at Sha Tin.
Skilled by Jamie Richards, he is a succesful performer who goes with out his typical visor and has the potential to be harmful if the playing cards fall proper.
Preventing likelihood with Soleil
The third leg (1.40) of the Problem can also be over the prolonged 1m which ought to show excellent for my mount Soleil Fighter, who’s drawn effectively in gate three.
Skilled by David Hayes, he ran effectively two begins in the past when he was crushed solely a neck over course and distance from one other low draw. Comparatively low mileage in Hong Kong, he needed to work too onerous from a large place on his newest begin however can bounce again from that.
Doug Whyte’s Goko Win ran a very good race final time when he was second over this 6f so I am hopeful he will be within the shake up within the fourth leg (2.10), though he’s one other of my rides to be posted extensive on the observe.
He stormed residence that day after making his earlier 4 appearances at Sha Tin, proving he is undoubtedly at residence on this observe.
Very good possibilities on supporting card
I am delighted to have picked up 4 rides on the supporting card, beginning with Very good Transfer within the opener, the Class 5 Australia Handicap (10.30), once more over the prolonged 1m.
Although he hasn’t been producing his greatest type of late, he is a course and distance scorer who’s effectively positioned and I am advised his observe work has been encouraging.
I workforce up with Doug Whyte within the second race, the France Handicap (11.00) again over the flying 6f. Speedy Chariot hasn’t gained in Hong Kong earlier than however ran effectively final time when he was fourth over course and distance.
We’re wider this time in barrier eight however he appears an easy kind who ought to journey effectively sufficient to get the rub of the inexperienced.
Longer journey can play to Mighty’s power
I additionally journey Mighty Stretch for Ricky Yiu within the Nice Britain Handicap (11.30), a Class 4 race again over the prolonged 1m. He is proven some sturdy kind over 7f round Sha Tin and could respect this step up in journey.
His newest run will be ignored as he was drawn awfully and simply did not look comfy, however from a greater beginning place in 4 it could possibly be a special story.
Within the Eire Handicap (1.10) I have been allotted the David Hayes-trained World Hero​, who has solely had 4 runs in Hong Kong. He wears blinkers so most likely lacks a bit on focus however can hopefully start to point out some enchancment.
Japan contract prolonged
My journey to Pleased Valley will likely be short-lived as I will be heading straight again to Tokyo to proceed my short-term contract in Japan, which I am delighted to say has been prolonged.
My husband Tom (Marquand) and I had been because of go away earlier than Christmas however we’re very grateful to the Japan Racing Affiliation to be staying till thirteenth January.
Tom has had an incredible begin, taking his tally to seven winners with two on Japan Cup weekend, and I am trying ahead to driving a number of extra myself earlier than heading residence within the new yr.
Hollie Doyle was chatting with Sky Sports activities Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.
Watch the LONGINES Worldwide Jockeys’ Championship from Pleased Valley dwell on Sky Sports activities Racing (Sky 415 | Virgin 519) on Wednesday sixth December.
