Douglas Whyte and Dennis Yip Chor-hong are a dynamic combination and must be followed in the $1 million Quicken Away Handicap (race six) at Sha Tin today, where in-form Ambitious Tycoon tackles 2,000 metres for the first time.
No jockey-trainer team in Hong Kong represents such a potent force. In the 68 times they've combined their talents this season, they've won 21 races (30.9 per cent) and recorded another 14 minor placings (total place percentage 51.5), a set of statistics too compelling to ignore.
After winning over 1,800 metres on April 28, Ambitious Tycoon was stepped up to 2,200 metres by Yip and, on a yielding track, finished a creditable 11/2 lengths second to Luckswell.
This key race included half of today's field and should prove a critical guide to the main chances. Ambitious Tycoon meets Luckswell four pounds better for his beaten margin and has had more luck in the draw, coming out of gate two as opposed to Luckswell's gate 10.
That should be enough to turn around the form and give the son of former British sprinter Piccolo his second win this season. Another vote of confidence is that Whyte has opted to ride Ambitious Tycoon in preference to Luckswell this time round.
John Moore-trained Luckswell ($180) provided a massive turnaround in form when landing the spoils last time out. He handles any sort of going and will only carry one pound more than he did when winning. He will need a tactically proficient ride from Anton Marcus to offset the wide alley but has hit form and should get the race run to suit with genuine pacemakers from John Size's yard like Dynamic Fun and Happy Partners.
Dynamic Fun is a difficult one to get right but the step up in trip looks a bonus, along with the move back to turf. He raced far too keenly out on the lead on his last appearance and definitely needs to settle better for Anthony Delpech, otherwise a similar outcome can be expected.
