Hong Kong Preview: Nicconi County to overcome topweight

Alastair Bull

September 14th, 2022

#1 Nicconi County can overcome topweight and start his season off with a victory in the Shek O Handicap at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

A stakes placegetter at his only start in Australia when known as Silent Theory, Nicconi County ran well in five Hong Kong starts at the beginning of the year. He started out with victory at Happy Valley, and then after a couple of failures and a third-place finish on wet ground June 8, he won for a second time at the city track June 22.

The Caspar Fownes-trained four-year-old put up a nice effort in a barrier trial Sept 3, coming from off the pace to win against a good quality group of horses.

Though he races from behind on a track that suits front-runners, he gets to start from barrier one, which is usually a decided advantage on the tight Happy Valley track. He will have to give up to 12 pounds to his opponents but should have enough class to deal with the impost. Vincent Ho takes the reins.

Others to score barrier trial victories in preparation for this race were #2 Ping Hai Galaxy, #7 Sky Forever, and #12 Wine and Wine. Sky Forever, who showed some ability before tailing off in his last two starts of the previous season, may be the best of the trio.

#5 Beauty Glory hasn’t won in his 10 Hong Kong starts but he was very consistent in his last six races, never finishing further back than fifth. A dual winner in Ireland when known as To Glory, he put in a great effort for second from the extreme outside barrier July 6 and has the benefit of Zac Purton’s services.

#3 Five Elements races for the first time at Happy Valley. A Group 2 winner in New Zealand when racing as Stormy, Five Elements showed some good form towards the end of last season at Sha Tin and can make a solid claim if he handles Happy Valley.

The consistent #9 Xponential didn’t trial well at Conghua Aug. 29 but has been consistent on raceday and looks the best of the others.

  • $10 win/$30 place: #1 Nicconi County
  • $1.30 trifecta: 1 with 3, 5, 7, 9 with 3, 5, 7, 9

BONUS PLAY – NEW ZEALAND

Otaki, Sept 14, Race 3, El Cheapo Cars Handicap

  • $10 win/$30 place, #6 Bendermerry: Won in good fashion at Egmont Aug. 28 and will benefit from a 3kg apprentice claim.