Jet-setting Atzeni lands in Happy Valley after Paris trip

Andrea Atzeni has zipped back from his fleeting trip to Paris to ride in Europe’s richest race, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and the rider now has his eyes on keeping his early-season momentum rolling along at Happy Valley tonight.

While his mount was overlooked by most punters in Sunday’s Arc, last season’s Hong Kong Vase winner, Giavellotto, outperformed his 38.0 odds to battle on for fourth under Atzeni, who was extremely pleased with the six-year-old’s effort in testing conditions.

“It was a brilliant run,” Atzeni said. “When the rain came - and there was a lot of rain - we thought our chances might be very slim because all his best form was on top of the ground. 

“He got into a nice pitch and when it opened up, I was hoping he’d come there with a chance and he did. I’d have taken fourth before the race, that’s for sure.”

Giavellotto’s next stop will be Sha Tin to defend his Hong Kong Vase crown over 2,400 meters on December 14. Atzeni is “unsure” whether he will be aboard the Marco Botti-trained gelding for the race.

Before then, Atzeni will also be jetting off to Australia for the Caulfield Cup on October 18, where he is confirmed to take the ride on Meydaan. His immediate sights, though, are on today's nine-race card at Happy Valley, where he takes six rides.

“It’s a book of rides that can all pop up and win or run well without winning - I’d say it’s a good solid book,” Atzeni said.

“I’ve been getting some good support so far and we’ve had a nice start. Hopefully we can keep going.”

The 34-year-old rider said he is looking forward to reuniting with the John Sise-trained A Americ Te Specso when he jumps from barrier three in the finale over 1,200m.

“He always runs well at the Valley as we saw last season with him winning three,” he added. “He’s got a good draw for his first run this season, so hopefully he can run well.

“He goes back whether he’s drawn one or 12 because he doesn’t have much early speed.”

Another intriguing ride for Atzeni is Gameplayer Elite, who knocked on the door last term for Douglas Whyte, in race seven. The Brazilian-bred six-year-old will make his stable debut for Dennis Yip Chor-hong after the handicappers lowered him three points in the off-season.

“He has trialled pretty well and he’s with Dennis [Yip Chor-hong] now so I’m looking forward to getting back on him. He likes the Valley, the short straight, and he should be competitive.”