Luke Ferraris Eyes Success with Four Strong Rides at Happy Valley

It will be a case of quality over quantity for Luke Ferraris on Wednesday when he lines up with just four rides at Happy Valley, with each of them having solid claims.

Ferraris’ book consists of Symbol Of Strength, Cloud Nine, Do Your Part and Fivefortwo, who bids for back-to-back wins in the Class Three Scrum Half Handicap (1,650m).

The South African jockey has built a strong association with the Francis Lui Kin-wai-trained galloper, having partnered him at both of his Hong Kong wins including a commanding victory last start by two lengths over Samarkand.

“The penny has dropped with him because the last run was really good with the way he put them away,” Ferraris said.

The son of Time Test will jump from barrier eight and should be aided by a strong tempo.

“The speed of the race should help him a bit. He’s going well, he’s got a decent enough draw for himself, he gets back a bit and if he can get the right tow into the race hopefully he can repeat what he’s been doing,” Ferraris said.

Fivefortwo was withdrawn the day before his last scheduled start due to a fever, but Ferraris said the four-year-old has bounced back quickly.

“I sat on him this morning – he put up a nice gallop, he’s moving well and his recovery was good, so I’m really happy with him going into it,” Ferraris said.

Frankie Lor Fu-chuen’s Symbol Of Strength will contest the Class Three Golden Point Handicap (1,200m) and although he has drawn favourably in gate three, the lightly-framed Kodiac galloper will once again be tasked with the top weight of 135lb.

“He’s a small, little horse. The biggest concern is the weight for me but in saying that, he does have the draw that’ll help him a lot,” Ferraris said.

“He’s going to need to get a soft run in order to produce his best late, but he’s got ability as his last win showed and if he can get in a nice run in transit, hopefully he can be featuring again.”

Cloud Nine will step out at Happy Valley for the first time in the Class Four Racing With Rugby Handicap (1,200m) and while only lightly raced, the son of Tiger Heart has been consistent in his three starts.

The Mark Newnham-trained three-year-old trialled at the track recently and managed to get around the tight-turning circuit with ease.

“I thought he handled it well, he got around there good. His form has been good. I think as a horse he’s going to keep on improving the more races he gets,” Ferraris said.

While barrier nine will prove a challenge, there should be plenty of options available to Ferraris.

“He’s got a bit of a sticky barrier to overcome but he’s definitely a nice horse going the right way. It all depends on how much other speed’s around us, I’ll chat to Mark and see what he wants to do from there, but being the A track maybe gives us a bit more options as to what we can do,” Ferraris said.

The ever-honest Do Your Part has not missed a top-three placing in his last 11 starts and will be looking for his third Hong Kong victory in the Class Three Hong Kong China Rugby Cup (1,650m).

The five-year-old has handled the step up to Class Three company this season with ease, however still struggles to relax in the run.

“He needs to learn how to settle a bit better. I think last time he probably could have won if he just settled in the first part of the race a bit better,” Ferraris said.

“He tends to get his head up a bit and race a bit fiercely. But in saying that he’s very honest and always puts in a good effort.

“He’s got a nice enough barrier, he’s fairly versatile as to what you can do with him. He can hopefully get in a rhythm and repeat what he did last time.”