Ricky Yiu Poon-fai is confident in his ability to continue his impressive run into Happy Valley on Wednesday night.
Yiu, the 2019-20 champion trainer, now has 41 winners for the season after Robot Warrior and Shining Gem both won at Sha Tin on Sunday, and he has eight winners in the last seven meetings as he tries to finish strong.
"The first part of the season was basically mediocre," Yiu remarked, "but I'm fairly happy with the second half."
Yiu will be hoping to return to the winner's enclosure with Nimble Nimbus, who is trying to continue his current excellent form in the Class Three Caine Handicap, which has six runners (1,650m).
Last outing, the four-year-old won by five lengths over the course and distance, forcing him into a higher grade after the handicapper raised him ten points for that wide-margin victory.
Last time, switching to simply a visor seemed to help his performance, and his trainer is hopeful that despite the increase in class, he will be able to hold his own.
"He's a horse that's gradually improving and progressing," Yiu added. "Even when I take him up over 1,800m, he can still cope in Class Three and do well." He's undoubtedly capable of another victory."
Super Mission has been a regular performer for Yiu this season, and he'll try his luck in the Class Three Bowen Handicap (1,200m).
Over the previous two seasons, the five-year-old has finished in the top five in 11 of his 14 outings, including a well-deserved second victory over this course and distance last month.
Yiu has taken use of the opportunity to give his runner some time in Conghua, believing he has a chance to win back-to-back races.
"He's well," Yiu stated. "He enjoys the facilities in China and will return because he enjoys Happy Valley."
Fabulous Eight has been a consistent contributor throughout his career, with two victories and 12 placings from 29 races.
He's earned money in five of his ten runs this season, and he'll try for a sixth in the Class Four Kennedy Handicap (1,000m), where his trainer expects a powerful run.
"He's ready to win," Yiu added, "and he usually does well during the journey, whether at Sha Tin or Happy Valley." "At his age, this could be his final season, so let's hope he wins another race."
While the majority of Yiu's Happy Valley runners have been models of consistency, Prime Minister has been inconsistent this season, with two wins interspersed with some disappointing efforts, most notably when he followed up a win on his penultimate start by coming 10th last time.
"I believe the race's tempo didn't suit him last time," Yiu stated. "Hopefully he will recover."
Yiu's midweek team is completed by Loriz and Pleasant Endeavor.
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