Joao Moreira ended 2015 on a high note, racking up no less than six wins at last Sunday’s race meeting. And with top class mounts Bundle Of Joy and Contentment in contention for the HKG3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy (1000m) and the HKG3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup (1400m) at the New Year’s Day meeting at Sha Tin on Friday, 1 January, 2016 looks set to be even better for the Champion Jockey.
Bundle Of Joy won first up at this course and distance last season with Moreira atop. After finishing fifth in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint (1000m) in Dubai last March, trainer David Hall gave the horse a break. Despite two unplaced runs this term under Gerald Mosse and Ben So, Moreira is happy to be riding the horse again.
“Bundle Of Joy trialed very well, twice with me on board. I think he is one hundred per cent fit and David (Hall) has got him spot on. It is a tough race but I believe he’s a classy horse and I am confident he will run very well on Friday.” Bundle Of Joy won two barrier trials earlier this month, both on 1050m dirt and both ridden by Moreira.
“He is a specialist on a straight track and if he can bring his best I’m sure he will have a decent chance,” Moreira added. The son of Magic Albert has won six races so far in Hong Kong, including three victories down the Sha Tin straight course.
Moreira also has high hopes of Contentment, who ran a creditable fifth in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile. The Hussonet gelding has a formidable record over 1400m at Sha Tin, with four wins from four starts. The horse will carry 132lbs in the Chinese Club Challenge Cup.
“I was very impressed with his performance at the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races meeting,” Moreira said. “He was just beaten by those really very good horses such as Maurice and Able Friend. Based on that performance he definitely has a winning chance this Friday.”
“Friday’s event is a handicap and Contentment is carrying 132lbs,” Moreira added. “But I have a lot of faith in this horse and I do like him very much. He is a horse on the up and I am pleased to have this chance to ride him again.”
