Chang savours Energy's 'low-pressure' success
All eyes might have been on short-priced favourite Best Friend in the final event, but the lower profile suited Michael Chang Chun-wai and jockey Vincent Sit Shun-keung just fine.
They combined to land the Dongguan Handicap with Solar Energy, the handsome black gelding doing a good job to win decisively upon his return to competition.
'All the pressure was on Best Power, and that suited us,' Chang said. 'It is very difficult to win when your horse is a HK$16 or HK$17 chance like Best Friend was today. I much prefer our position - lower profile, bigger price, less pressure.'
Sit, who was also a quick starter last season when riding regularly for Danny Shum Chap-shing, said Solar Energy had given him a 'really good feel' during the race.
'I think the key to him this season is that he's been a lot more settled,' Sit said. 'Last year, he was more highly strung. I suggested to Michael that he use a hood on him for trackwork. Because the less noise he hears going on around him the better.
'Michael took my advice and used the hood in the mornings, but the horse doesn't need it on race days.'
Brett Prebble advised punters not to give up on Best Friend, who laboured home in eighth spot as a dominating HK$1.7 favourite. 'Forget that, he just wasn't suited. Once he gets back to 1,600 metres, you'll see a much better horse,' Prebble said.
