Italian jockey Andrea Atzeni is gearing up for the prestigious Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR), ready to make his mark despite acknowledging his rides are outsiders. Atzeni, who has a history with HKIR, is set to partner with Ricky Yiu Poon-fai’s Nimble Nimbus in the Hong Kong Cup and Lucky With You for Frankie Lor Fu-chuen in the Group One Hong Kong Sprint.
Having a previous sixth-place finish in the Hong Kong Cup aboard Farraaj and a similar position with Poet’s Word, Atzeni is no stranger to the city’s biggest racing event. His current focus on Nimble Nimbus and Lucky With You, both considered long shots, reflects his commitment and positive attitude towards the races.
Atzeni has settled well into the Sha Tin riding ranks since the start of the season, achieving 12 wins and ranking sixth in the premiership. Despite narrowly missing out on a spot in the International Jockeys’ Championship, his recent double win at Sha Tin showcases his growing momentum in Hong Kong’s racing scene.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s races at Sha Tin, Atzeni is optimistic about his eight rides, highlighting Chancheng Prince as a potential standout in the Class Two Peninsula Golden Jubilee Challenge Cup. Despite the 1,200m distance being slightly sharp for Chancheng Prince, Atzeni is hopeful, given the horse’s affinity for the all-weather track and strong performance in the last race.
In the Class Three Salisbury Handicap, Atzeni will partner with Brilliant Way, facing off against the intriguing Awesome Fluke, making his Hong Kong debut under trainer Caspar Fownes. Awesome Fluke, a winner of the Group Two WATC Derby in Perth, is seen as a strong stayer, with expectations of him performing well in longer distances.
Fownes notes that while the 1,400m might be sharp for Awesome Fluke’s debut, the horse’s strong staying ability could make for an impressive finish. The race is anticipated to provide insights into Awesome Fluke’s adaptability to Hong Kong’s racing conditions and his potential for future success in longer races.
As the Longines Hong Kong International Races approach, Atzeni’s participation and the performance of horses like Nimble Nimbus, Lucky With You, and Awesome Fluke are eagerly awaited by racing enthusiasts. These races not only highlight the skills of the jockeys but also the caliber and versatility of the competing horses, making for an exciting event in the world of horse racing.
READ MORE: