Ching has not shirked a challenge throughout his impressive 2022-23 campaign, and he has one more question to answer from trainer Michael Chang Chun-wai before the end of the season.
A shining light as his handler has battled to keep his training career alive, Ching has amassed four victories while never missing the top four from nine starts this term.
However, all of Ching’s victories have come at a mile and been compiled in Class Four and Class Three as he has progressed up the ratings.
But, with Chang requiring one more win to avoid a third strike and an almost certain end to his career, Ching will be thrown into the deep end when he steps up in grade and trip in Saturday’s Class Two Hong Kong Reunification Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin.
“It’s a big step for him, but I’ve got no choice. In Class Two, there’s only the 1,650m at Happy Valley or the 2,000m at Sha Tin,” Chang said.
“I didn’t want to run him at Happy Valley, so I’ll try the 2,000m. I think he can stay because he’s a relaxed horse.
“He trialled well last week, and he keeps improving. He’s in good shape, and he’s got a light weight, so I expect he’ll run well, but, honestly, Class Two is tough.
“I’ve run him nine times, and he’s never missed stake money while winning four times. He’s so relaxed, but he fights – he’s a good horse. This will be his last race, and then I’ll give him a good break.”
After failing to meet the trainers’ benchmark in the past two seasons – which for single-site trainers is 16 wins a season, with only two in Class Five counting – Chang’s future hangs in the balance with six meetings remaining in the campaign.
While his other two runners on Saturday – President’s Choice and Happy Matador – look outside chances at best, Chang is far from pinning all of his hopes on Ching.
“If I’m lucky enough, I think I can make it. I’ve still got a couple of decent horses coming up in the next few meetings,” said Chang, who has last-start winner Lady’s Choice as well as Righteous Doctrine, Euromissile and Joyful Champion entered for Monday’s rare night meeting on the turf at Sha Tin.
If Ching is to be the one to land the all-important victory, though, he will have to overcome a string of strong opponents in Saturday’s feature.
Perhaps the most interesting is the Tony Cruz-trained Five G Patch, who steps out for the first time since his knockout third in May’s Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m).
Rated only 87, Five G Patch finished behind only proven Group One performers Russian Emperor and Romantic Warrior.
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He will now chase a maiden Class Two success but must overcome barrier 12 of 14 under Alexis Badel.
Also lining up for the first time since that Group One event is Natural Storm, who finished eighth, while the likes of Columbus County, Butterfield, Hong Kong Derby sixth Sword Point and Alacrity are also in the field.
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