Happy Lucky Dragon Win | Forget BC and AD - Moreira ensures it's now BM and AM
Zac Purton dominating, dueling with Douglas Whyte and riding a card full of favourites, Karis Teetan grinning his way to a treble, even the local kids winning races: Saturday at Sha Tin was a glimpse into the years BM – that is, “before Moreira” – a time not too long ago.
Zac Purton dominating, dueling with Douglas Whyte and riding a card full of favourites, Karis Teetan grinning his way to a treble, even the local kids winning races: Saturday at Sha Tin was a glimpse into the years BM – that is, “before Moreira” – a time not too long ago.
When colleague Alan Aitken remarked before Joao Moreira’s arrival in October, “It’s cat among the pigeons time,” he was almost there. The result of the Magic Man being set upon Hong Kong has been more akin to letting a lion loose in a chicken coup.
To think, it’s only been a shade over four months. Such has been the seismic impact of Moreira’s landing, it seems it has always been this way – everyone is on edge.
When Joao is here it makes it so much harder. I’m not saying we can’t ride against him, but at the end of the day he does sit on the best horses. You’re always riding second best
It’s not just the jockeys being affected. Stewards are more flustered than a cross-eyed air traffic controller trying to keep Moreira’s wayward riding in check, and professional punters are trying to weigh up the value of his seemingly over-bet rides with the simple fact the guy just keeps on winning, sometimes when he shouldn’t.
It took Moreira being absent through yet another suspension to really feel the gravity of his presence. To be fair, Purton looks rejuvenated as the weather warms up and he may yet give his Brazilian rival a run for his money, but even the Australian admits this championship is all about opportunities. Moreira simply gets more.
In the days BM, Teetan looked every bit like the lightweight golden boy, in the right place at the right time. He had opportunities thrown at him, primarily from Tony Millard, John Moore and John Size. He had 16 wins before international day and even won on both Hong Kong Derby contenders Able Friend and Designs On Rome on the same card – although that was once Moreira had already arrived and was suspended.
In the turbulent times AM (after Moreira, for those slow on the uptake), Moore dropped Teetan and went with Moreira, as did Millard and Size. Then came another lightweight in the form of a Mirco Demuro cameo. Throw in a few suspensions and Teetan goes from a high to a rut.
After his treble, Teetan mused it wasn’t so much missed opportunities that made it tough when Moreira was around, it was his mere presence that made it difficult for everyone. It sounds like Moreira is psyching his rivals out.
