Fallon “ticks all the right boxes” for Ben Thompson as the pair bid for a second course and distance success in Wednesday night’s Class Three Roselle Handicap (1,800m) at Happy Valley.
Trained by Tony Cruz, Fallon came with a surging late run to win over the Valley 1,800m three starts ago, comfortably beating Charity Gain in the process.
He has remained in good form since, finishing runner up twice at the city circuit including last start when beaten a neck by Jumbo Legend in a Class Three over 2,200m.
Charity Gain was again no match for him in those two runs, but he will need to turn around form with Beauty Alliance, who beat him by three and a half lengths before running below par in the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m).
Wooshka! 🚀
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) February 19, 2025
Irish-bred 5YO Fallon lets rip with @BenThompson2102 for Tony Cruz at Happy Valley... #HappyWednesday | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/C44n6ApaO9
Fallon gets a 10lbs swing on Beauty Alliance and that could make all the difference in a competitive race.
“He’s in great form,” Thompson said.
“He’s had a win and two seconds in his last three and he meets the same opposition he’s been taking on.
“Whatever is to win that race, being such a strong field, needs everything to go right. He’s really enjoying Happy Valley.
Trainer Tony Cruz (left) and jockey Ben Thompson celebrate Fallon’s recent triumph.
“To be back at Class Three 1,800 – his third time at the course and trip with a win and second at his previous two, he’s ticking all the right boxes.”
Thompson is also confident in the chances of All’s Well, who bids to make it second-time lucky in the Class Four Geranium Handicap (1,000m).
Dennis Yip Chor-hong’s youngster made eye-catching late ground into sixth over the course and distance when sent off an unconsidered $20 outsider on debut this month.
He has a much better draw on this occasion and Thompson is expecting an improved showing in what could be a frantic race.
All’s Well (outside) runs second in a Valley trial last month.
“He backed up a really nice trial at Happy Valley with that good debut,” said Thompson.
“He’s better drawn on this occasion, so hopefully that’s what he needs to break through.
“There’s nothing like race day, is there? Fully different pressure to what he previously felt there, but he coped really good, especially after he could have been vulnerable when the opposition had started their runs and most had a bit of a margin on him.
“He kept to the task and really rounded off well – better than anything else in the race.
Ben Thompson is confident All’s Well will be hard to beat second up.
“They’re going to go lickety split, as they generally do over 1,000 at Happy Valley, but I think off nice trials leading into his debut and he’s felt really nice and comfortable in his work since, he can run well.
“Hopefully a kind draw [barrier three] for his second time, it can be second-time lucky.
“In my short involvement with him, he’s a horse that can travel quite strong, so I think the 1,000’s a good fit for him.”
