Derek Leung Ka-chun arrives at Happy Valley on Wednesday night looking to reclaim momentum rather than search for it.
The raw numbers show a 23-ride winless run, but context matters. Before that stretch, Leung had been quietly building through a productive season, riding five winners from 30 mounts as his support strengthened and confidence followed. Now, with five rides at the Valley – several near the top of betting – there is an opportunity to build on that base approaching the mid-season mark.
The ride that matters most is Straight To Glory, a last-start winner who found his rhythm immediately when switched to Happy Valley. After a series of consistent efforts without reward, the Michael Chang Chun-wai-trained gelding broke through over 1200 meters with a professional performance that impressed Leung.
“He handled himself very well,” Leung said. “Everything went smooth. He was much more focused that most horses first time at the Valley.”
Straight To Glory rises just seven pounds for that win but remains lightly raced and on an upward curve. He returns to the same course and distance, and while drawn wider than last time, Leung expects a similar approach – possibly even a touch more positive.
“He’s still a young horse,” Leung said. “I think he can handle it.”
Elsewhere, Leung partners Fun Elite, another Chang runner who is still working toward peak fitness third-up but is helped by a good draw, while Cody Mo Wai-kit provides two solid chances in Meowth, a reliable and genuine Class 4 performer, and Spicy Spangle, who drops into Class 5 for the first time over a sharp 1000 meters.
There is also late interest in veteran Money Catcher, a tricky type who finally broke a long drought last start and, with the right tempo, could figure again.
