A bullish Andrea Atzeni believes he could be set for a successful weekend at Sha Tin, with the rider boasting a strong book of rides on Sunday’s 10-race programme.
Sitting on nine wins through the first 22 meetings of the season, Atzeni will hop aboard eight gallopers, including Danny Shum Chap-shing’s exciting import, Romantic Thor, in the Class Two Chevalier Cup (1,600m).
Formerly trained by Irish powerhouse Aidan O’Brien, Romantic Thor finished his pre-import career with a powerful victory at Chester over 2,060m in May and steps out for his new trainer.
“He’s got some very good form and he has a very nice pedigree,” Atzeni said.
“I only sat on him the other morning on the grass and he’s felt good. He’s a big, strong horse and he’s ready to go.”
By Justify and out of a Galileo mare, Romantic Thor will jump from gate seven and carry bottom weight of 115 pounds – three pounds out of the handicap – in the competitive 14-runner contest, which features Karma, Green N White and Voyage Samurai.
He will represent the owner of superstar Romantic Warrior, Peter Lau Pak-fai, carrying the turquoise and white silks as well as some lofty expectations heading towards the Classic Series.
“It’s a very competitive race obviously, but I think he’s going to be a nice horse for later on,” Atzeni said.
“In England and Ireland he looked like more of a grinder, but I think the Hong Kong training style has switched him on a little bit more so he’ll be able to show a little bit more speed.
“Off that mark [82], there isn’t too many races to go for but it’s a nice ride to pick up.”
Elsewhere on the card, Atzeni hops aboard the in-form Solid Win, Harold Win, Robot Knight and Stellar Swift.
A two-time runner up this term, Solid Win will have to defy a wide berth in stall 13 to get off the mark in the Class Four Chevalier Lifts & Escalators Handicap (1,600m).
“He’s been very consistent and obviously ran well again the last day,” Atzeni said.
“When I hit the front, I thought he was going to come and win the race, but the horse on the inside got me late won quite cosily.
“He’s stepping up in trip, which I think will suit him, but we could’ve done with a better draw.”
Harold Win shed his maiden tag on his penultimate outing and bids to return to the winners’ enclosure in the Class Three Chevalier Property Management Handicap (1,200m).
He will also have to negotiate a wide draw in stall 10.
“He’s been consistent all season and he’s up in class with a light weight,” Atzeni said.
“Unfortunately we haven’t got a very good draw and it’s a competitive race, but if he jumps well and we can get in a good position, he can run well again. He hasn’t done anything wrong and maybe later on he’ll be even better over 1,400m.”
Chilli Baba, Shiny Rapidash and Glorious Success complete Atzeni’s weekend book.
