Moreira Back to Business in Hong Kong After Dubai Turf Win

Rider Joao Moreira admitted he was still awestruck by a big weekend that saw him win the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m) on Vivlos as well as scoring a double at Sha Tin the following day, but his attention has quickly turned to Happy Valley’s meeting on Wednesday night, particularly to Cheer Win in the closer, the Class 3 East Point Handicap (1200m).

It will be Ricky Yiu-trained Cheer Win’s first attempt at Class 3, after a strong second to Jumbo Happiness at the top of Class 4 last time out pushed his rating up to 61. He drops from 133 pounds to 118 pounds, but Moreira believes the switch from gate 12 to barrier four is the most crucial difference.

“He drew very wide last time and I had to use quite a bit of him to get a position,” he said. “This time I’m going to be able to get where I was a bit quicker, without having to use too much of him. He’s a winning chance, that’s for sure.”

Moreira was aboard for the three-year-old’s only victory, in a restricted Class 4 over the Sha Tin straight 1000m in October. The Brazilian, who did not ride him again until his last start, says that the son of Showcasing has improved  over the past six months.

“He’s got much more gate speed now than he did before with so much more racing experience,” he said. “It’s a good thing for Happy Valley, you need a fast horse to be able to get into a position quickly, especially when you are drawn wide. This time, everything will fall in his favour with the low draw.”

The East Point Handicap ends the eight-race card at 10:50pm, with the opener, the Class 5 Yee Wo Street Handicap (1650m), opening the meeting at 7:15pm.

Source: Hong Kong Jockey Club (Andrew Hawkins)