Pierre Ng Pang-chi’s scintillating start to the season showed no signs of slowing down on Sunday as I Give recorded his fifth consecutive win and Drombeg Banner justified a plunge to deliver the red-hot trainer a Sha Tin double.
The winner’s enclosure at Sha Tin has become a familiar sight for the connections of I Give, and the progressive speedster continued his remarkable campaign in the Class Three Chevalier Construction Handicap (1,200m).
Launched into his customary leading position from gate three by Andrea Atzeni, the $3.05 favourite set a strong speed and was not for catching as he held on to finish a neck ahead of Cotton Fingers.
After stopping the clock at 1:08.99 – a smidgen inside standard – on his first start at Class Three level, Ng was immediately eyeing further success for the in-form five-year-old.
FIVE STRAIGHT WINS! 🤯
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) November 26, 2023
I Give remains unbeaten this season, capping a double in tandem for Pierre Ng and @Atzenijockey... ✌️ pic.twitter.com/34lNJQecPI
“He got the job done, hit the line well, and I don’t think anything can stop him at 1,200m at the moment,” Ng said. “Hopefully, he can do a little bit more for us in three or four weeks.”
Winless from 11 starts last season, I Give has rapidly risen through the grades this term, with a trio of Class Four victories adding to his opening day win at Class Five level.
“It was a big job today in Class Three, but with the lighter weight, he managed to do it,” Ng said. “He’s fit and well. I think we just go along as the season goes.”
Ng’s first victory of the afternoon came when Drombeg Banner landed a plunge under Atzeni in the Chevalier Car Dealership Handicap (1,400m).
Well-backed late... 🤯 Smashed into $6/1 from around 12/1, Drombeg Banner controls the tempo and hands leading trainer Pierre Ng a 25th win this term! @Atzenijockey | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/J2bgD6B8hA
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) November 26, 2023
After a substantial late go saw Drombeg Banner backed from $19 to $6.8 in the two minutes before the off, the son of Starspangledbanner produced a dominant front-running performance to get the better of Find My Love and Dancing Code.
“It’s a pretty simple formula with him. Just jump, go and let him breathe. He managed to do that well,” Ng said.
After edging to the lead from gate 10, Atzeni was allowed to dictate proceedings before staying on strongly in the closing stages.
It was not the first time this season punters have successfully come for an Ng-trained runner, and even the second-season handler admitted he could not understand the double-figure price that ultimately went up in smoke.
Pierre Ng celebrates I Give’s fifth consecutive win in the Class Three Chevalier Construction Handicap (1,200m).
“He was value at 17-1. I was quite surprised as well. The horse is fit and well and managed to do the job for everyone,” Ng said. “Hopefully, he’s still got a bit of improvement there, and he can be a very consistent – maybe Class One – horse.”
Standing at the summit of the trainers’ championship on 26 wins from 22 meetings, Ng’s brace extended his lead over his closest challenger – Caspar Fownes – to 10.
“We are just getting them rolling along, and it’s nice to achieve the results that the owners would want,” Ng said. “Hopefully, we can keep our heads down, work hard and get more and more winners.”
