He enjoyed the first treble of his young career at Sha Tin on Sunday and Pierre Ng Pang-chi hopes he can keep the ball rolling early on Wednesday night’s Happy Valley card.
Zac Purton was aboard two of Ng’s weekend winners on his way to a five-timer and the pair team up again in the midweek meeting’s first race, with Turin Mascot stepping up in trip for the Class Three Aster Handicap (2,200m).
Third last start over the Valley 1,800m, Turin Mascot jumps from gate five under Purton in a race featuring the in-form Packing Hurricane, who is chasing a fourth win on the bounce.
“Turin Mascot has been running well. He’s still a little bit immature. Stepping up in trip I think is suitable for him, even the 1,800m looks a bit sharp for him. I think he will be a very good stayer,” said Ng, who has a 29 per cent strike rate when combining with Purton.
Fownes heads line of succession to city circuit throne with three meetings left
“Zac always asks for rides and when we can engage him it’s good. It’s a good thing for both of us. This horse has got a chance.”
Ng will enter the Valley meeting full of confidence but admits he didn’t have high hopes for his fortunes on Sunday after $4.2 favourite Medic Elite missed the start in the second race.
“It’s a good feeling to finally land a treble. Actually, when Medic Elite missed the start, I thought it wasn’t going to be our day, but thankfully it happened,” Ng said.
“We’ve still got seven meetings left so I’ll try to maximise the winners with the horses that I’ve got.”
Another of Ng’s midweek hand who looks a winning chance is Happy Angel in the first section of the Class Four Thistle Handicap (1,650m) after a season that has featured seven minor placings from 13 starts.
“This time it’s much more difficult with the draw. He’s been knocking on the door and doing well, but it’s hard to get him to finish in front. We’ll see how he goes,” Ng said of the five-year-old, who jumps from gate nine under Matthew Chadwick.
Ng also saddles up Turquoise Alpha, Aestheticism and Quantum Patch at the Valley.
Meanwhile, the Jockey Club is offering free entry to the public enclosure for this Saturday’s Hong Kong Reunification Raceday at Sha Tin, with Cantopop singer Gigi Yim headlining the off-track entertainment.
