Latest news with #SpicyGold
South China Morning Post
26-05-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Mark Newnham confident ‘fantastic' Spicy Gold can continue consistent Happy Valley streak
Spicy Gold (purple colours) gets up close to home at Happy Valley in March. Photos: Kenneth Chan Mark Newnham is hoping his ultra-consistent Spicy Gold can collect another cheque in the Class Three Seine Handicap (1,200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Alexis Badel has built up a brilliant partnership with Newnham's So You Think galloper, who has won three of his nine starts this season. After ending last campaign with a Class Four course and distance win, Spicy Gold has gone from strength to strength this term, doubling up on return in the same grade. He completed a track and trip Class Four hat-trick on his next start, lashing down the outside in taking style after a patient ride from Badel. Spicy Gold gets there! Mark Newnham's galloper returns a fourth course and distance win with @AlexisBadel, capping a double for the trainer tonight... 🔥#HappyWednesday | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 5, 2025 After two seconds in Class Three company, he broke through at the fifth attempt, once again diving late after sitting on the shoulder of the leader throughout the journey. Spicy Gold will arrive on the back of another good second and Newnham does not see any reason the good times will not keep rolling. 'He's probably the most consistent horse in my stable – he hasn't missed a cheque all season, winning four times since July,' said Newnham. 'He's finished second three times too and even when he didn't place, he still collected some prize money. 'He's been fantastic all season [and] for all that now he probably has found his right mark on 75. Three of his wins have been in Class Four so to be on 75 and only winning in Class Three once, he's probably near the peak of his powers. HK Racing News Get updates direct to your inbox Sign up Best Bets Racing News By registering you agree to our T&Cs & Privacy Policy Error: Please enter a valid email. The email address is already in use. Please login to subscribe. Error, please try again later. THANK YOU You are one the list. Mark Newnham celebrates after Spicy Gold's most recent Happy Valley win. 'He's got some gate speed so he can put himself in a good position from a decent draw. He's not showing me any signs that he won't hold his form again and he's in a nice race against horses similar to him.' Newnham also runs Tactical Command in the Class Four Ciron Handicap (1,200m), who has snared a pair of wins this season over the track and trip. He arrived fast and late to grab both of those wins, most recently when saluting at $12 with a strong late surge under Badel. Things have not gone to plan since, with barriers 11 at Sha Tin and 12 at the Valley putting paid to his chances before the gates had even opened. Tactical Command goes over the top to win at the Valley in March. Much to the relief of Newnham, his Charm Spirit gelding has drawn barrier four this Wednesday, which is giving him plenty of cause for optimism. 'The draw makes a big difference. The statistics tell you that it's nearly impossible to win from stall 12 at the Valley so he was always up against it last time,' said Newnham. 'He's won four races, with the draws being one, one, two and four for those, so that tells you how crucial the draw is for him. Trainer Mark Newnham has built up a good partnership with jockey Alexis Badel. 'He doesn't have enough pace to go forward from outside draws, but when he draws inside he can take up a nice position. 'The handicapper has him pegged pretty well with where he's at – he's certainly improved this season but has paid for his consistency. 'That said, he's got a good chance because he's holding his form well and has drawn in the perfect place – inside barriers are absolutely crucial to him. 'Alexis Badel's strike rate for the stable has been excellent, he rides Happy Valley well and gets on well with him, so that helps too.'
South China Morning Post
04-03-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
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 — 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 — 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.
