Still enjoying his Classic Cup win, Harry Bentley is keen to build on his momentum at Sha Tin on Sunday with six riders, including Hong Kong Derby winner Fortune Boy (2,000m) and Group Two winner Tomodachi Kokoroe.
Bentley had one of the biggest successes of his Hong Kong career when he led Stormy Grove to a resounding victory last Sunday in the second leg of the four-year Classic Cup (1,800m).
“Obviously we were delighted with how it all went – very exciting and now we’re looking forward to the Derby,” Bentley said.
While Bentley is committed to riding Stormy Grove in the Derby, the British jockey could play a key role in helping his rival to the feature on March 22 when he joins Fortune Boy in the Grade Two Devon Handicap (1,800m).
Needing a win to add to his mark of 71 to make the Derby field, Fortune Boy will be on the fast track from last Sunday when he stormed home from the last to run a neck second to Gentlemen Legacy over 2,000m.
The David Hayes-trained team has been a model of consistency this season, claiming a 1,600m victory in October and five top-four finishes.
“I think this is his last chance to get into the Derby, so I think that’s the main reason to back him,” Bentley said.
“He ran a good race last time out in defeat and he’s underweight in a Grade Two, so fingers crossed. It’s not easy to back this kind of distance but if he can manage it, I’d like to think he’ll be close.”
Fortune Boy weighs in at 115lbs in a competitive race led by impressive early winners Stunning Peach and Soleil Fighter.
Tomodachi Kokoroe, who gave Bentley a Group Two victory in the Premier Bowl (1,200m) in October, tackles the Grade One Essex Handicap (1,200m).
The Hayes-trained team has been tasked with the world’s best Ka Ying Rising in recent games and returns to his preferred ride after a sixth start to Patch Of Theta over 1,400m.
“It’s nice not to play like Ka Ying Rising,” said Bentley.
“It looks like a competitive race – Patch Of Theta was impressive last time when he won, Fast Network has drawn well and I think he’ll run a big race.
“Tomodachi Kokoroe is not tied far in the Group company, so I think he has definitely got a chance to be close from that good draw.”
Tomodachi Kokoroe drew in the third gate.
While Bentley was pleased with the draw, he bemoaned the all-rounder’s dreadful draw at barrier 14 in the Grade Three Cumberland Handicap (1,400m).
The Australian made it to his first domestic success in style two times ago and backed that up with an unlucky third for Aerovolonic in his latest appearance.
“It’s disappointing because it doesn’t leave you with a lot of options, but hopefully we can have a good run and get in somewhere with a cover,” Bentley said of the draw.
“He likes to be a midfielder with a bit of protection, but that’s the way it is. He’s doing really well and he’s moving up to Third for the first time in a while. Given his low weight (116lb), I think he’ll run a big race but he just needs to run well.”
Bentley also rates Shamus Storm well in the Grade Three Kowloon Tong Club (1,600m), with runner-up Herbal Star and World Hero rounding out his rider book at Sha Tin.
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