Jack Dawling
Ben Thompson hopes a successful night at Happy Valley will prove the perfect aperitif before his "priceless" opportunity in next week's BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000 meters).
The 27-year-old has had an up-and-down season but recorded his biggest win of the campaign at Sha Tin on Sunday when the John Size-trained Bundle Award booked his place in the Derby in emphatic fashion.
The dust has settled on the gelding's powerful win over 1,800m and Thompson has confirmed to The Standard that he has kept the ride aboard Bundle Award for next Sunday's HK$26 million race.
"I'm over the moon," Thompson said. "He was awesome on Sunday and let's hope he can repeat that next week."
With four jockeys out injured including seven-time champion jockey Zac Purton, Thompson has picked up more rides for Size at recent meetings, including in the Group 1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (1,400m) on Howdeepisyourlove.
Thompson grabbed third behind Ka Ying Rising aboard Howdeepisyourlove before repaying Size's faith with a perfect ride aboard Bundle Award on Sunday.
Support from the 12-time champion trainer could be vital for young riders like Thompson and it is clear that the importance of that is not lost on him. "Whether it's at the highest level or in lower class races, to ride for John Size is an incredible opportunity," Thompson said. "It's such a competitive environment here so to have an opportunity like this in the Derby is priceless."
Before Thompson's attention turns to the city's most prestigious race, the Australian rider, who sits on six wins for the season, heads to tonight's meeting at Happy Valley with a solid book of six rides.
His team is headlined by the Tony Cruz-trained Fallon, who recorded a one-and-a-half-length success under Thompson at Happy Valley last time out. Fallon jumps from barrier 12 in the finale on the nine-race card, a competitive Class 3 contest over 1,800m.
"He was great last time and it was a well-deserved win for him," Thompson said. "He has been racing super consistently in Class 3 and hopefully he can make it two in a row.
"It's a really nice race and although the draw isn't favorable, he won from a wide draw twice at Sha Tin last season so hopefully he can go and do it again."
The 12-runner field is an intriguing contest and includes top-weight Talents Ambition, who will look to boost his rating above 80 to qualify for the Derby.
jack.dawling@singtaonewscorp.com
