CODY MO RATES HIS FIRST SEASON ‘ACCEPTABLE’ AS HE SETS SIGHTS ON BIG NIGHT AT HAPPY VALLEY

• Rookie trainer assesses his debut campaign and looks to city circuit for more winners on Wednesday night

Cody Mo Wai-kit has given himself a pass mark for his first season training as he aims to add to his haul of 17 wins with a strong team at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

After 15 years as an assistant to four different handlers, including nine years as Tony Cruz's right-hand man, Mo was granted a trainer's licence by the Jockey Club for the 2023-24 campaign.

From just 267 starters - the second fewest of the city's 21 trainers - the 46-year-old has produced at least one winner each month since celebrating the first of his career in October with Romantic Laos.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

The highlight was his first ever double, courtesy of Happy Fat Cat and California Touch at Happy Valley on June 5.

"For me, it has been acceptable," Mo said. "I didn't push some of my new horses and put them under too much pressure, so I've had older horses and some are limited. I hope all the new horses mature and grow up and then we'll be OK for next season."

A surprise packet with four victories this season, Happy Fat Cat will be one of Mo's leading contenders at the city circuit when he runs in the Class Three Shek Sheung River Handicap (1,200m).

The speedster has emerged as Mo's most prolific winner and often at big odds, starting $18, $5.7, $17 and $49 in his triumphs, which have all come over 1,200m at Happy Valley.

After bombing the start in back-to-back runs, the Shalaa gelding bounced back to narrowly win the Class Three Violet Hill Handicap (1,200m) last start at his biggest winning price.

"He always gives you a surprise - even after his first two wins [for me], he won two in Class Three," Mo said. "He's very easy to train - just keep him happy and fresh. I hope he can win again."

Mo's wish for a good draw was granted when Happy Fat Cat was dealt barrier five for his latest assignment, where he will face the likes of Kaholo Angel, A Americ Te Specso, Ka Ying Cheer and Kyrus Dragon.

Ellis Wong Chi-wang, who has been in hot form at the Valley this season, maintains the ride on Happy Fat Cat after booting him home last start.

Mo will launch a dual-pronged attack on the Class Three Sha Tau Kok River Handicap (1,650m) with Romantic Laos and Chain Of Gold, who were dealt contrasting draws in 11 and five, respectively.

Romantic Laos landed his second victory this campaign two starts ago, storming home to beat Red Hare King narrowly in the Class Three Selkirk Handicap (1,650m).

The Pins five-year-old was caught wide without cover when an unlucky seventh to Red Hare King last start.

"He's in good form and his rating is at the winning level," Mo said. "We'll just see how much pace is in the race and I hope he runs well."

Chain Of Gold is bursting to win a race after three eye-catching placings at the Valley. The son of Sooboog was a two-time winner in Australia under the same name pre-import.

"This horse is a nice horse," Mo said. "He has a light weight [115 pounds]. If [jockey Karis Teetan] can settle him, he'll finish strong."

Talents Supremo also looms as a solid chance for Mo in the first section of the Class Four Ng Tung River Handicap (1,200m). The former British galloper is coming off a fast-finishing third to impressive debutant Fast Network at Sha Tin.

Lapras, Patch Of Time and Togepi are Mo's other Happy Valley runners.

Mo has also picked up Magic Control, an Australian Group Three winner formerly known as Archo Nacho. He was transferred after running seventh at Happy Valley in his Hong Kong debut for Jamie Richards.

More Articles from SCMP

Landslide kills 8 in Hunan as extreme rainfall in China continues to wreak havoc

3 people arrested and drugs worth almost HK$30 million seized in raid on Hong Kong flat

Pierre Ng claims Group Three double and Sha Tin treble to strike back in championship battle

Philippines ‘leader of the opposition’ Sara Duterte emerges in ex-Marcos ally’s pivot

This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.

Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

2024-06-24T10:21:14Z dg43tfdfdgfd