Tempo the key for Storming Dragon at Happy Valley
Jockey Lyle Hewitson hopes a favourable tempo can bring the best out of Storming Dragon (121lb) when Jamie Richards’ runner tackles the Class 3 New Lantao Bus Handicap (1200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.
Lucky Planet (135lb), Matters Most (132lb), Metro Power (124lb) and Beauty Glory (122lb) have led and won races this season, setting up the possibility of a potent speed battle, one which could play into the hands of fast-closer Storming Dragon.
“I’ve only ridden him over 1650 (metres) and although he gives the impression that he would enjoy going further, his best form has been over 1200, and he just seems to relish the speed and hit the line strong over the 1200,” he said.
“It’s good to be aboard him, and he’s probably at a mark now (rated 62) where he’s ready to go. He’s been running well, and he has a decent draw (two).”
Richards, who surpassed 100 Hong Kong racing career wins in February, saddles four runners tomorrow and is seeking a fourth victory with Storming Dragon – one of eight rides for Hewitson.
One of the top jockeys in South Africa, prior to his Hong Kong switch, Hewitson has 20 wins this term.
“There’s a lot in his favour. If he puts his mind on the job off this rating, then he should be capable. Lots of speed (in the race), and that’s going to be to his liking,” he said.
Earlier in the card, Hewitson links with Hey Bros (124lb) for Brett Crawford in the Class 3 Kwoon Chung Bus Cup Handicap (1200m) from gate 10. The Australian import was fifth on debut in Hong Kong last month.
“I’ve never been aboard him, but that run was pretty good. Of course, it was Karis’ (Teetan) ride that I’ve picked up. I’m riding the other one (Genius Baby) for the same owners on the night, too, so hopefully they can both run well,” Hewitson said.
“Hey Bros looks like he wants the 1200. His last furlong (final 200m) was solid, and normally they improve after one run, too. Hopefully, he can show something on Wednesday, and despite the tricky draw (10), I’m sure he’ll be working home well.”
Hewitson reunites with Dragon Sunrise (120lb) in the card-opening Class 5 Kwoon Chung Motors Handicap (1800m) for Francis Lui. The American-bred registered a first top-three finish last outing under the 28-year-old.
“I thought in his last few starts he’s shown something and he hasn’t run bad races. It was a surprise (last start), but he was certainly capable of doing something like that. I’m just hoping he can stay in that vein of form come the race on Wednesday,” Hewitson said.
David Eustace’s Silvery Breeze (135lb) has finished no worse than fourth in 2025/26, winning once and placing second three times from five runs. The Dundeel galloper lines up under Hugh Bowman in the Class 3 Sichuan Bipenggou Tourist Attractions Handicap (1650m).
“The pace should really assist him, and a couple of those (on-pace) runners have drawn wide, so they’re going to have to work for their positions, which is going to work in Silvery Breeze’s favour even more, I would have thought,” Bowman said.
“He went up to Class 2 last time with the light weight and the race wasn’t run to suit him, but he’s in great order. He was unlucky not to win the start before, and despite having the top impost of 135 (pounds), he is really knocking on the door to win another race in Class 3.”
Silvery Breeze faces high-flying Hong Kong International Sale graduate Corleone (129lb), who chases a fourth win from his past five runs for Caspar Fownes.
“He’s (Silvery Breeze) got a pattern where he settles back anyway, so I won’t disrupt that pattern, but barrier one does sort of allow him to settle closer if he jumps and if he is comfortable being there, which is always an asset, as we know,” Bowman said.
Wednesday’s (March 4) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Kwoon Chung Motors Handicap (1800m).
