Hot Delight stamped his credentials as a serious Classic Series contender when taking out the Class Two Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships Handicap (1,200m) with Vincent Ho Chak-yiu aboard at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Francis Lui Kin-wai’s Too Darn Hot galloper has catapulted through the ratings since his debut in January, beginning off a mark of 52 in Class Four company before winning at Class Two level as an 82-rater on Sunday.
The three-year-old was unbeaten at his first three starts before placing fourth at his last run, but was back in the winner’s circle after overcoming a wide draw to score by three quarters of a length over Magic Control.
Although trapped three wide, Ho was able to obtain cover throughout, and with Victor The Winner leading and favourite Rising Force held up in a pocket, Hot Delight descended strongly down the centre of the track to score.
“He’s an honest horse and I think his quality is very good. He got a bad draw last time and maybe the jockey didn’t know him as well – Vincent knows him really well and he got a good position and had him travelling well,” Lui said.
