Lyle Hewitson hopes to strike on Full Credit in Wednesday night’s feature at Happy Valley before chasing BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) glory on Steps Ahead on Sunday.
The South African jockey continues his association with Full Credit in the Class Two Sports Handicap (1,200m), having ridden the Mark Newnham-trained gelding in all but three of his 15 career starts.
A three-time winner last season, the son of Va Pensiero has won on the Sha Tin dirt and added six placings in an ultra-consistent campaign heading into the highlight of Wednesday night’s nine-race card.
It will be his second start at the city circuit after he ran a close third to Brave Star on his first attempt in November.
Nice one, Full Credit! 🙌
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 29, 2024
Mark Newnham scoops a double at Sha Tin as the speedster becomes a winner on the dirt as well as turf with @LyleHewitson... #LoveRacing | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/PBwME6U5aF
“His form speaks for itself and he’s a genuine horse,” Hewitson said.
“It’s a very good race, he’s got an awkward draw [barrier seven] and he’s yet to win at the Valley, but he’s just consistent and with a good run, I think he’s an obvious chance.
“For me, it’s working out where we’re going to be on the speed map. He seems to have enjoyed sitting off them in recent times. Now up in class, a lot of these horses have early speed and this race looks no different. We’re not just hell-bent on leading now, we’ll just decide what’s going to be the best option for him.”
A fast-finishing third to Magic Control down the Sha Tin straight last start, Full Credit must overcome tough opposition headlined by the in-form Beauty Destiny and fellow last-start winners Aurora Lady, Son Pak Fu and Gustosismo in the Sports Handicap.
Lyle Hewitson puts Full Credit through his paces at Sha Tin trackwork.
Frankie Lor Fu-chuen’s Beauty Destiny has won four of his past five starts – all over 1,200m at the Valley.
Hewitson also rated Wonder Kit a top chance in the Class Three Tin Lok Handicap (1,200m) while Smiling Emperor, One For All, Casa Rochester and Notthesillyone are his other midweek rides.
The 27-year-old will then switch his focus to an upset in the city’s most prestigious race on Sunday, with Steps Ahead tackling the Derby after finishing strongly for fifth behind Rubylot in the Classic Cup (1,800m) on March 2.
“I’m realistic of the fact that his rating reflects his ability and he’s up against it on the ratings,” Hewitson said of the 83-rater.
Steps Ahead wins over 1,800m in February under Andrea Atzeni.
“But what I do like about him is he’s a tactically versatile horse and he’s very easy to ride, so I’m not going out there knowing I have to switch him off or I have to send him to the front.
“I can ride him completely according to the draw and how the race unfolds and I think that’s a nice trick to have up your sleeve, knowing you’re on a horse that can adapt to situations easily.”
Hewitson believes the mile will be Steps Ahead’s preferred distance in the future, but he doesn’t need to be a stayer to make an impact in the Derby.
“We know that four-year-olds in their own age group and the Derby especially, you don’t need to be a 10-furlong horse to go well in it,” Hewitson said.
“He’s an 1,800m winner – yes it was off a slow pace and he had all the favours, but he also ran well in the Classic Cup. We’re adding on an extra furlong and whether he gets it truly or not, I think his genuine side will help him get the trip.”
