Brenton Avdulla hopes Howdeepisyourlove can add further lustre to a flourishing season when he partners John Size's sprinter in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Riding in peak form after a pair of elite victories last month aboard California Spangle – the Group 1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin on March 10 and the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) in Dubai last Saturday – Avdulla has posted 24 wins in Hong Kong this season.
The Australian hopes Howdeepisyourlove can prevail this weekend against a field topped by Lucky Sweynesse as well as Lucky With You, Duke Wai, Flying Ace, Adios, Whizz Kid, Invincible Sage, Packing Treadmill, Nervous Witness and Tomodachi Kokoroe.
“He (Howdeepisyourlove) is racing really well. Obviously, he didn't miss by far the other day (when beaten a nose when second to Flying Ace),” Avdulla said. “He's drawn a bit awkwardly (barrier 10), but I think he deserves his chance at this level and I'm sure he'll measure up. He's honest and now he's back to the sprint trips, he's racing really well.
“I've got no doubt he can put his best foot forward and run really well.
“I don't think there's much between (the horses) when you get to Class 1 or a bit better level here. Class 1 horses – they're good horses anywhere. I expect he will continue to improve. He's still only lightly raced and I think he's got plenty of upside still available.”
Avdulla believes barrier 10 is largely irrelevant because of Howdeepisyourlove's racing pattern.
“He's not quick early any way. It (the barrier) won't play a factor. He'll probably be back a little bit. He'll settle and relax and I hope there'll be a good speed.,” he said.
Entrenched in the Hong Kong jockeys' championship top five with 34 wins behind Zac Purton (87), Karis Teetan (60), Hugh Bowman (42) and Angus Chung (36), Andrea Atzeni will partner Frankie Lor-trained Lucky With You in the Sprint Cup.
“He's obviously a good ride. Hopefully we don't get any rain. I think if the track is fast, we've got a nice draw (barrier three) – he's been very consistent – if he turns up, he'll be there or thereabouts,” the Italian said.
Lucky With You has twice finished second at Group 1 level at Sha Tin this season behind Lucky Sweynesse in the Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on December 10 before chasing home Victor The Winner in the Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) on January 28.
Atzeni will partner Super Sunny Sing in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Chairman's Trophy (1600m) on Sunday when Chris So's galloper searches for his fourth course and distance victory from six attempts despite drawing barrier 13.
“The draw is a challenge, it's not ideal,” Atzeni said.
Russian Emperor heads the field with 128lb, while Beauty Eternal, Beauty Joy, Sword Point, Nimble Nimbus, Red Lion, Encountered, Healthy Happy, Money Catcher, Taj Dragon, Happy Together, Super Sunny Sing and The Best Peach will all carry 123lb.