When you pick up excellent rides, it's vital to take chances, and Matthew Poon Ming-fai did just that on a couple of horses that were back in action at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.
Lucky Sweynesse had been ridden by Zac Purton and Joao Moreira in his previous four races, but when Poon was given the chance to ride Manfred Man Ka-three-year-old leung's last time, he seized it with both hands, steering the promising youth to a narrow victory over Navas Two.
Poon's connections have decided to stick with him for the Class Two Staunton Handicap (1,200m), and the rider is certain that Lucky Sweynesse will repeat his victory.
Poon stated, "He's a young horse who proved his quality last start." "He won a pretty great race over 1,400m, but he was a touch antsy due to the sluggish speed and still performed well to win."
"He's good enough in Class Two, he's back to 1,200m, he's drawn well, and I believe he has a decent chance."
Before Poon was called up last time, Packing Award had been ridden by Karis Teetan in his first six starts this season, and the rookie rider made the most of a fresh relationship by driving the brilliant four-year-old to a neck victory.
Poon keeps the mount in the Class Three Shelley Handicap (1,650m), but his mount confronts a more difficult job after being lifted seven pounds for his most recent victory.
"The main worry is that he is really heavy," Poon explained. "In this class, he also has some nice ability." The top weight is a concern, but he's a big, strong horse, so I believe he'll be able to handle it; nonetheless, he'll require an easy start."
Poon may be developing a love-hate connection with Happy Valley's 1,200m trip, as while riding three winners there this season, he has finished runner-up an amazing 13 times.
Super Mission, a five-year-old who finished second last time after winning on his last outing, has another opportunity over that distance in the Class Three Lyndhurst Handicap (1,200m).
"He's light on his feet and always has a chance to win," Poon added.
"His good draw [stall two] helps a lot, but the field is fairly tough, so maybe he can obtain a solid position and run well again from that draw."
Poon's book of six rides at the Valley is completed by Ever Laugh, Ambitious Heart, and Sicomoro, and the jockey has just eight meetings left to reach last season's record of 37 wins.
"This season has been a case of so far, so good," Poon added. "It hasn't been perfect, but I believe it has gone well, and I'm going to work hard to ride some more winners before the season concludes next month."
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