Trainers look to widen the gap

Two of the early pacesetters in the 2025/26 trainers’ championship will send strong contingents to Happy Valley today, looking to open up a gap at the top of the standings.

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Caspar Fownes prepares six runners, hoping to improve on his seven wins so far this season at his favourite hunting ground.

Mark Newnham has made an explosive start to his third campaign in Hong Kong, and he saddles seven runners.

Three of Fownes’ six have already visited the winner's arch this season, but none has escaped the attention of the handicapper for their efforts and find themselves in elevated company at this meeting.

Mighty Commander (54kg), who will be ridden again by Ellis Wong in the first section of the Class 3 Harbour View Handicap over 1200m, is one of Fownes’ leading chances after winning smartly over 1200m last time out despite mostly campaigning over 1650m.

“He seems to be in good form ~ winning the 1200 (metres) first up in Class 4. Now he goes up to a higher grade,” Fownes said.