Group 3 aim for Mo on National Day By Declan SchusterCody Mo is expecting to break new ground next Tuesday (1 October) by saddling his first runner in a Group race in Hong Kong when Magic Control contests the HK$4.2 million G3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m) at Sha Tin. Mo, 46, commenced his training career last season with 20 wins. He’s added a further two to his tally this term, while before being awarded a licence to train, Mo previously worked with Tony Cruz when the legendary figure had Silent Witness and Bullish Luck in his stable. The 85-rating Magic Control is Mo’s leading horse, one of 64 registered under his care. “He had very good form overseas in Australia. His next race will be on the 1st of October, the 1000 metre Group 3 race — I hope he will keep going,” Mo said. Magic Control won the 2023 G3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley before arriving in Hong Kong. The four-year-old was previously known as Archo Nacho in Australia and trained by Matt Laurie, where he also won once at Flemington. The chestnut gelding prevailed comfortably first-up down the straight at Sha Tin in Class 3 under Matthew Chadwick, who will ride the speedster again. The Group 1-winning Invincible Sage is a likely opponent to Magic Control in next Tuesday’s feature. “His first run, the time was very quick (55.74s). Also, he’ll carry a light weight in this race, so I think he’ll have a good chance,” Mo said. Magic Control was Mo’s first win this season, while Sugar Ball was his second last Sunday (22 September). The handler attributes some of his early season success to Conghua. “Conghua has helped a lot, sending horses up there — they’re more relaxed and come along faster. The facility is great — it has an uphill gallop, water walker,” Mo said. Mo saddles a trio of runners at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (25 September): Talents Supremo, Chain Of Gold and Atomic Force. Atomic Force features in the Class 3 Causeway Bay Handicap (1000m) under Harry Bentley, seeking back-to-back victories. “He’s easy to control and he trialled well at Conghua. Everything is good with him,” Mo said. “Hopefully, there’s a fast pace in this race, which can help him.” The city circuit’s programme marks the start of the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge, which runs until 26 February, 2025. The competition is for horses racing in Class 3 and above at Happy Valley, with points awarded for first, second, third and fourth place finishes. A first-up win for Atomic Force would secure 15 points in the HK$1.5 million competition. Mo is also aiming for consecutive wins with Chain Of Gold, who pairs with Karis Teetan in the Class 3 Central Handicap (1650m). “He’s a very consistent horse — he was close a few times last season. Hopefully, this season he can keep improving,” Mo said. Armed with a full book of rides at the Valley tomorrow, Hugh Bowman hops aboard the Jamie Richards-trained O’Liner — a winner last season — in the Class 3 Causeway Bay Handicap (1000m). “I have O’Liner in the 1000 (metres) Class 3, I worked him on Monday morning (23 September). It’s short for him but he’s a good, competitive Class 3 horse,” Bowman said. Bowman rides Joyful Prosperity, Sky Song, Denfield, Turin Warrior, Noble Pursuit, Rocket Spade and Glory Cloud as well. Zac Purton also has a full book of rides: Sunny Baby, Dan Attack, Aeroinvincible, Foremost Teddy, Samarkand, Super Unicorn, Aurora Lady and Youthful Spirits. In addition to Chain Of Gold, Teetan partners Arthur’s Kingdom, Super Eagle, Talents Supremo, Winning Steps, Brave Witness, Strive For Glory and Armour Eagle. Wednesday’s (25 September) eight-race fixture at Happy Valley kicks off at 7.05pm with the Class 5 Wan Chai Handicap (1800m).
