Freshman trainer Richard Gibson has made a sound start to his local career and Great Renown gives him the chance to claim his first trophy race in the Chinese Manufacturers Association Of Hong Kong Cup (1,650m) at Happy Valley tonight. Of course, it would not technically be Gibson's first trophy as he has two Hong Kong Vases to his credit already with Doctor Dino, but Great Renown (Douglas Whyte) looks the horse to land the trainer's first cup event since joining the trainers' roster on a perman
Freshman trainer Richard Gibson has made a sound start to his local career and Great Renown gives him the chance to claim his first trophy race in the Chinese Manufacturers Association Of Hong Kong Cup (1,650m) at Happy Valley tonight. Of course, it would not technically be Gibson's first trophy as he has two Hong Kong Vases to his credit already with Doctor Dino, but Great Renown (Douglas Whyte) looks the horse to land the trainer's first cup event since joining the trainers' roster on a permanent basis.
With six wins from 80 runners, Gibson broke the ice with Great Renown in September and the six-year-old probably should be unbeaten in three runs for the yard over this course.
He put up a big effort to finish runner-up at his second start for the term after being knocked rotten halfway up the Valley straight, and made amends with his latest impressive victory in Class Four.
Ridden quietly on that occasion, Great Renown unwound a powerful finish to win convincingly and left little doubt that he won't have any trouble with Class Three. A promising horse in New Zealand with three wins from seven starts, Great Renown arrived on a rating of 78 with clear scope to make it in Class Two, but his career has been hampered by serious injuries until this season. Gibson appears to have him back to his overseas form but, even after a nine-point penalty for his last run, the gelding is still 10 points below his entry point to this jurisdiction.
www.racing.scmp.com