Matthew Poon Ming-fai might give Joao Moreira a run for his money in the Jockey Challenge early on but three big chances late in the day will swing things the Magic Man’s way.
Not surprisingly, given his previous experience in Australia, Poon has taken very little time to adjust to his new base and has already compiled an impressive record.
Poon has five winners from the three meetings he has ridden at so far, with a strike rate of better than 21 per cent and has finished in the top three on 11 occasions.
The 23-year-old was able to win the Jockey Challenge last Sunday and although the “Poon Train’s” day starts strongly, it is Moreira that has the much stronger hand in the second half of the meeting.
Poon starts with a likely favourite in the first, Rewarding Flyer, as he tries to build on a promising combination with John Moore.
From there the 10-pound claimer rides in every race up until the fifth, including some solid hopes, but after that he has just two rides.
Expect Moreira to be more or less dominant – at least from a Jockey Challenge standpoint – from race six onwards, even if it is simply by virtue of picking up place points along the way from his high percentage chances.
When visiting jockeys arrive for feature days, it changes the dynamic as riders like Tommy Berry and Hugh Bowman are utilised in support races.
The presence of two group races also erodes the impact Poon can have given his claim can’t be utilised, resulting in the promising talent watching the two Group Ones from the jockeys’ room.
Small QE II Cup field means little as Joao Moreira and Hugh Bowman take the stage
Meanwhile, Moreira will ride horses that could start favourite in their respective features; Eagle Way in the Group Three Queen Mother Memorial Cup and Japanese raider Neorealism in the Group One Audemars Piguet QE II Cup.
Eagle Way was forced to unwind with a sustained run a long way from home last start and will be better situated in the run this time around from a low draw, while the speed map favours the tactically versatile Neorealism.
They are just two of Moreira’s better chances and overall the Brazilian has a strong book of rides – even by his standards.
Early injury a blessing with Werther set to go back-to-back in QE II Cup
Every one of Moreira’s rides was single figures in betting in early markets, and either side of Neorealism he climbs aboard a pair of three-year-olds that will almost certainly start strong favourites.
The Tony Cruz-trained Regency Bo Bo was an unlucky second to Kingsfield last start and even though he has drawn poorly, should still be in the finish off a 1,400m Class Three.
Happy Happy Star hasn’t been raced since BMW Hong Kong Derby day when he finished unplaced after being trapped three wide without cover.
This time Happy Happy Star draws barrier two and looks to get a much sweeter run in transit.
