Teaming with John Size in the absence of Joao Moreira, Alexis Badel is confident Running Glory (NZ) (Kermadec) can continue an impressive debut season in the Class 2 Alnwick Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday with a fifth victory in six starts.
Badel replaces championship-leading Moreira, who is serving a two-meeting ban for careless riding, on Running Glory, who has risen in the handicaps from a mark of 52 to 81 with four wins from 1400m to 1800m at Sha Tin.
“He’s on a rating of 81 and being the bottom weight in Class 2 is always good. I think he has showed quality and consistency, so I think he is going to be running well,” Badel said of the Kermadec gelding.
“It’s not a big field (seven runners), so maybe it’s going to be a tactical race with a sprint home. He’s certainly the horse you want to be on, the horse seems to be in good form and Mr Size is always a good trainer to ride for and hopefully I can deliver.”
As only the second trainer to post 1,400 wins in Hong Kong, a feat achieved with trademark modesty at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (11 May) with Seizing The Moment’s victory, Size believes Badel is well suited to Running Glory.
“He’s got a light weight and Alexis is one of the lightweight jockeys available. I don’t think he’s a difficult horse to manage, so it should be okay,” the 11-time champion trainer said.
“He seems alright, he’s been in good shape since the last time he raced and he seems fit and well and everything is in order with him. He trialled normally – or how you would expect him to – and he pulled up well. He should run another good race.”
