Prebble sizzles for Cruz on a day rail bias played a big part
Brett Prebble and trainer Derek Cruz have been a rare and singularly unsuccessful double act until now, but New Greenfield turned that around for his first local win in the Chatham Handicap (1,650m). Prebble had ridden for Cruz 37 times before and without victory, but he was pleasantly surprised to get a call-up for New Greenfield and even more pleased with gate one on a day when the rail was sizzling hot. Starting favourite despite not having finished in the first five of his 10 starts, New Greenfield was soon in the box seat for Prebble and was never going to lose. "I don't ride much for Derek but when his son Martin offered me this one I was happy to take it," Prebble said. Alan Aitken
Quick-fire Callan getting better with each season
British jockey Neil Callan has seen the pitfalls of a slow start in Hong Kong, but he's getting better at it after landing Chater D'Cat the first winner of his new winter stint. The David Ferraris-trained seven-year-old was only Callan's sixth ride this contract, and he knows all about the other side of that coin. Two years ago at this time he took 46 rides to get off the mark, then struggled for good rides, landing only five victories, but he took only 27 mounts last season to ride a winner and finished with 12 wins. "Nice to get one early - I love coming here anyway but I think an early winner gives you a chance of getting some quality support," he added. Alan Aitken
Jockeys and trainers fined for careless riding and scratchings
The stewards were kept occupied with Matthew Chadwick and Jacky Tong Chi-kit suspended for careless riding, and two trainers fined over matters in the final race that resulted in scratchings. Chadwick, who caused interference to Ultimate Winners in the ninth race, was handed a two-day ban. Tong caused interference to Chadwick on Green Manner and was given a three-day suspension. Stewards also fined David Hall HK$25,000 over Alpha Grand having been treated by mistake last Monday. Andreas Schutz was fined HK$10,000 over Holmes Legend, who was scratched with a sore left fore tendon. Alan Aitken
