(Courtesy of http://www.fasttrack.hk)

Before looking at the racing on Sunday, let’s not forget Matty Chadwick’s quite incredible ride on Little Rainforest which he took to the front from barrier 12, kept way in front and, for a while, reminded me of the riding techniques of Derek Cruz when an apprentice jockey and father, the late Johnny Cruz in the Sixties and Seventies on horses like Regal Way and Star Bay Too. Blimey, they were tired horses after those runs.

(Source: Graphics 99)

Both had only one way to ride a horse: take it to the front, keep pumping it and hope it gets home before the others swamped it.

Sometimes, they fluked it and got their rides home, but most times, they were left there as sitting ducks.

(Source: Personalized Book Fairs)

For a while, it looked as if Chadwick, too, had ridden the Danny Shum-trained Little Rainforest into the ground, but the kid knew what he was doing and what he had under him as he read the Valley track brilliantly (Tony Cruz is a great mentor) knew all about that steep incline, pushed the horse gently over that and then released the brakes when heading downhill leaving the others flat-footed and just not in the same race.

(Source: Apple Daily)

It was, by far the ride of the night and right up there with a ride also at Happy Valley a few seasons back when Glen Boss caught everyone napping, made a quick move around all the other horses when approaching the hill and stormed home on a Caspar Fownes-trained galloper.

(Source: HKJC)

On Sunday, Chadwick, somewhat of a quiet achiever, has a pretty good book of rides including last-start winner Great Charm for trainer Richard Gibson in an usually tough looking last race that includes four first starters.

Whoever frames Hong Kong races deserves some kinda award for what he plans for every last race at Shatin.

Last week, as predicted, the last race probed a massive hit by taking in over $200m.

This race on Sunday looks like attracting the same money in the Get Out Stakes.

Of course, Sunday sees the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup where Ambitious Dragon and Glorious Days clash again followed by the HK BMW Derby which so much has been written and talked about that many are suffering from arthritis and lock-jaw.

(Source: Super Itch)

I have nothing to add other than the fact that in-form Aussie riders Craig Williams and Dwayne Dunn plus the UK’s Ryan “Mr Personality” Moore will be in town for the big race.

Williams has been in devastating form in Oz and seemingly riding winners as he pleases.

(Source: Zimbio)

In Hong Kong’s Jockey Premiership, Dougie Whyte must be hoping for a five or six win lead over Zac Purton before starting an enforced two meeting holiday which will give time to go and pick some oranges off trees outside his villa in Tuscany.

(Source: Wiki)

Looking at their rides, it seems like a pretty even match and with me coming back to Matthew Chadwick as the jockey to follow- and at odds- together with the stable of Tony Cruz on an extremely tough looking card where a magic pin might come in handy.

(Source: Thoroughbred News)