Michael Chang’s best horse finally gets his chance to chase dirt hat-trick
02/11/2020
South China Morning Post
Michael Chang Chun-wai’s best horse finally gets his chance to chase a hat-trick of all-weather track wins and the unassuming trainer is expecting big things from Righteous Doctrine (大道至正) in Wednesday night’s Class Two Hebe Hill Handicap (1,650m).
After consecutive wins on the surface earlier this year, Righteous Doctrine (大道至正) has been restricted to the turf but that will change when the five-year-old lines up in the feature race at the first all-dirt meeting of the season.
By stringing together back-to-back Class Three wins over the dirt 1,800m to graduate to Class Two, Righteous Doctrine(大道至正) put his career in the hands of the programmer.
Class Two races over 1,800m on the dirt are few and far between in Hong Kong – the last was in 2015 – and there’s only been one race in the grade over 1,650m since the second of Righteous Doctrine’s (大道至正) wins on April 1.
While the gelding has proven he can hold his own on the turf with a win and two placings across six consecutive Class Two outings on the surface, Chang has been patiently waiting to make the switch back to the dirt.
“He always performs on the dirt so I’m expecting him to run well,” Chang said. “I think he’s still got a little bit of room to improve and I don’t think he’ll be far away from winning.”
After a solid fifth first-up this season, Righteous Doctrine (大道至正) powered home from near the back of the field to finish a length behind impressive Derby hopeful Excellent Proposal (勁搏) over 1,800m a month ago and enters Wednesday night’s race in strong form.
While Righteous Doctrine’s (大道至正) three Hong Kong wins have come at 1,800m, Chang has been forced back to the 1,650m but he remains hopeful his charge can deliver at a course and distance he has placed at three times.
“I think the step back to the 1,650m is OK for him,” Chang said of his 88-rated galloper. “It was a big run last time, he came from last and he only just got beaten. The horse is sound and healthy and his preparation has been good.”
Righteous Doctrine (大道至正) will be ridden by Vincent Ho Chak-yiu for the first time and has drawn barrier seven in a race featuring dirt specialists Kings Shield (黃金甲), Glorious Artist (逍遙自在) and Elusive State (烽煙四喜).
Chang is looking to capitalise on the all-dirt meeting, saddling up seven runners on a surface he has had some success on.
His only winner so far this season came via Charitydream (眾善積福) on the all-weather track and seven of his 19 victories last season came on the dirt.
Charitydream (眾善積福) lines up again, tackling the Class Five Wa Mei Shan Handicap (1,650m) after a tough run on the turf last month. He carries eight pounds more than when he saluted over the course and distance in September and will be ridden by Matthew Chadwick from gate 11.
Also among Chang’s hand are The Joy Of Giving (為善聚樂), who tackles Charitydream (眾善積福), as well as Tailor Made (度身訂做), Star Superior (超然), Cruciatus (龍之英) and Wisdom Patch (錶之智慧).
Please enter a valid e-mail address
Get Our Latest Updates & Offers
The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its subsidiaries (together referred to as "the Club"; each "a Club Entity" in the Club's Privacy Policy Statement) intend to use your email to send you promotional updates regarding facilities, services, support, events and activities offered or arranged by the Club or a Club Entity, in areas specified in the Direct Marketing Section of the Club's Privacy Policy Statement. We may not so use your personal data unless we have received your consent.
In order to use our services, you must agree to our Terms of Service
Please Confirm
Verification Code:
-
Please enter the correct verification code