Winless from a roster-low 10 rides this season, Alfred Chan Ka-Hei hopes for a metamorphosis in fortune when he reignites his partnership with Kurpany in Sunday’s Elegance Two Kwangtung Handicap Cup (1,000m) at Glad Valley.
A seven-time winner from 28 appearances, Kurpany disenchanted the apple cart when saluting at $25.6 on resumption underneath apprentice Ellis Wong Chi-wang, defeating his 4 opponents over 1,000m at Sha Tin on September 17.
The six-year-old’s tutor, Caspar Fownes, after referred to as upon the services and products of Vincent Ho Chak-yiu for Kurpany’s after and most up-to-date get started within the Nationwide Hour Cup (1,000m) on October 1, a Workforce 3 match wherein he completed 3rd at the back of Stoltz and Adieu.
With Wong but to achieve commendation from Jockey Membership stewards to journey at Glad Valley, and Ho suspended till November 12, Fownes has entrusted Chan with the task boarded Kurpany in Sunday’s function.
“It hasn’t been going so well this season, but I’m trying my best,” Chan stated. “Kurpany has beaten a few of these already, so I think it’s a good chance for me, but the draw isn’t ideal.”
Chan rode Kurpany to luck on dust within the Elegance Two Aldrich Bay Handicap in January 2022 and stated the continuing backup of the sprinter’s handler.
“Caspar is a top man. If you’re hard-working, he’ll repay you and give you good horses to ride,” Chan stated. “Kurpany is an easy horse to ride, and he’s in top form, so hopefully, he can bring me some luck on Sunday.”
Fownes has recorded seven wins at Glad Valley this time period and believes the constant speedster is a full of life contender turning back town circuit for the primary era since July.
“Kurpany is in good form, and going back to Happy Valley will suit him. There are a few nice horses in the race, but he always runs well,” Fownes stated. “He’s a strong, big horse, and he has a chance with five pounds off his back.”
The method of Kurpany’s contemporary 3rd within the Nationwide Hour Cup won a large spice up when Ocular Luck, fourth in that Workforce 3 match, surprised Fortunate Sweynesse within the Workforce Two Premier Bowl (1,200m).
“Kurpany is very versatile. He’s good on the dirt, he handles the straight, and he’s good at the Valley, so he gets a chance to pick up some money,” Fownes stated.
Fownes saddles six runners at Glad Valley on Sunday, with Hugh Bowman’s suspense enabling Matthew Chadwick to whisk the journey on hat-trick-seeking June Planet within the Elegance 3 Zhuhai Handicap (1,650m).
“He’s up in class, down in weight, and ridden by Matthew Chadwick for the first time. His winning form is good, so we’ll be hoping for another big run,” Fownes stated.
Packing Storm, who notched 3 consecutive wins over 2,000m at Sha Tin extreme season, races over a longer walk within the Elegance 3 Guangzhou Handicap (2,200m).
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Upcoming two below-par efforts over 1,600m and 1,800m this time period, Fownes believes the step up in travel will swimsuit the four-year-old on his 2nd look at Glad Valley.
“He’s at the right distance, so he gets his chance. He’s had two races to strip fit this season, and hopefully, he runs his race.”
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