Alexis Badel bids to maintain strong form at Happy Valley: ‘I'm looking to continue on that'
Alexis Badel is aiming to extend his recent run of success to the Valley on Wednesday night. Photos: Kenneth Chan
After booting home six winners in February, Frenchman sets sights on more success at city circuit with eight rides
Fresh from his most successful month of the season, Alexis Badel hopes to continue his strong form at Happy Valley on Wednesday night with the consistent Spicy Gold headlining his eight rides.
After managing just nine wins from the first five months of the term, the Frenchman was one of several jockeys to capitalise on picking up stronger rides after four riders were injured in two separate falls on February 9.
'I wasn't expecting anything less. With many jockeys injured or suspended, it's been good to end up with some good books of rides and to deliver,' Badel said after booting home six winners in February.
'I'm looking to continue on that and build on that.'
Spicy Gold circles the field for a third consecutive win at Happy Valley! 🤯
The in-form son of So You Think gives Mark Newnham a double from the first five races... @AlexisBadel #HappyWednesday | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/3pGpIqwBTX — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) October 16, 2024
Badel believes Spicy Gold strikes an ideal race in the Class Three New Lantao Bus Handicap (1,200m), with the Mark Newnham-trained gelding bidding to add to his three Valley wins in succession last year.
Since completing his hat-trick in October, Spicy Gold has notched a pair of close seconds and two unlucky fifths.
Newnham has opted to remove the hood and add pacifiers to the son of So You Think's gear and he has drawn barrier five in Wednesday night's field of 10.
'He's got a good draw and his form's good,' Badel said.
'I believe the race is open, but without underestimating anyone, I think he's found a race that could suit. He used to do a lot wrong but now he's more mature. He's a talented horse and deserves another win.'
In an even race to finish the nine-event card, Spicy Gold clashes with Valley specialist Sugar Sugar, last-start runner-up Eason, Seasons Wit, Sports Legend, A Americ Te Specso, California Deeply, Legendary Impact, Aurio and Sweet Briar.
Badel has solid claims in another Class Three on Wednesday night, The Kwoon Chung Bus 60th Anniversary Cup (1,200m), when he rides Beauty Infinity.
In his return from a fetlock injury, the John Size-trained gelding stormed home from last to run an eye-catching fourth to Beauty Destiny on February 19.
'He's a good ride. I thought his last run was really good. He was taken back early and he finished on very strongly,' Badel said.
Wow, Beauty Destiny! 🤯
Frankie Lor's sprinter just keeps getting better as he saunters to a fourth win from his past five starts... @Atzenijockey #HappyWednesday | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/ENlF79x4zM — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) February 19, 2025
'He's got a better gate [barrier two], so that should help me to be in a more reasonable spot and if he hits the line strong, he should be running very well.'
Golden Fairy, Gimme Five, Santorini, Silver Spurs, Can't Go Wong and En Perfecto are Badel's other Valley rides.
'Can't Go Wong is always competitive and strong at the course and distance. He's got a bit of weight but I think if the pace is good, he will finish well,' Badel said of the Frankie Lor Fu-chuen-trained gelding, who carries 134 pounds in the Class Four Kwoon Chung Inclusive & Accessible Service Handicap (1,800m).
Badel said his rides at Sha Tin on Sunday include Unbelievable, who returns from a tendon injury in a Class Two over 1,800m, last-start winner Brilliant Express, Happy Regency Star and Beauty Live.
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