It has been a slow start to the season for Lyle Hewitson, but the South African is confident he can turn the tide when he rides unbeaten four-year-old Packing Hermod in Sha Tin on Saturday.
Hewitson is battling in the middle of the championship with just five wins from 119 rides and is maintaining a positive outlook as he looks to return to winning form.
“I’m obviously very frustrated,” Hewitson said. “I’d rather be at ten than at five. I’ve probably just been on the right horses in the wrong races at times and it’s about staying with them because they’ll find the right races quickly.
“But having said that, I’m very happy with the support and I think that’s the most important thing because the season is longer than the two months it lasted.
“As long as I’m strong for the next eight months, we can finish with a flurry. I think we can get back on track this month, hopefully especially from Saturday, and I haven’t quite figured it out yet.”
Hewitson gets a golden opportunity aboard Packing Hermod after picking up the prized ride, as regular rider Zac Purton can’t make his light weight of 115 pounds.
The Francis Lui Kin-wai-trained gelding could not have made a more impressive start to his career. He won his two starts late last season by a combined five-and-a-half lengths before launching his final campaign with another comprehensive win last month. .
“He really is a beautiful horse,” Hewitson said. “I had a lot to do with him before his first start – a few tests and some track work – and from then on I thought highly of him.
“So it’s no surprise to see him do what he’s done so far and to come on board with him is an absolute pleasure.
“Luckily the weight was light and I got my chance. It’s about seizing those opportunities with both hands.”
Packing Hermod steps up to Class 2 level for the first time in Saturday’s Panasonic Cup (1,400m), which has attracted a quality field including exciting four-year-olds Rubylot and Bottomuptogether, as well as Green N White, Sunlight Power and the latter- start winner Drombeg Banner.
Hewitson expects the Classic Mile prospect to enjoy his first start at seven furlongs, while he also hopes the son of Rubick can cross from gate nine to take on his usual role in the speed department.
“We want to see him show us that he can potentially do the mile and the other stages of the four-year series, so he has to do things the right way,” Hewitson said.
“But looking at the situation, he certainly has the speed to move forward. If we can get behind one, two or three, it would be ideal to just have an advantage in the race. We can be in a convenient place with coverage. I think he’s ready to strike then.’
Rubylot will be looking for a third win in a row for David Hayes and opposes Bottomuptogether again after putting that galloper down first.
Like Packing Hermod, the Frankie Lor Fu-chuen-trained Bottomuptogether will complete the 1,400 meters for the first time in what will be a crucial test for his Classic Mile chances.
Hewitson has solid chances in his packed ride book on Saturday’s 10-race card, with Blessed Nation an intriguing Hong Kong debutant in the Class Three Panasonic 2-in-1 Washer Dryer Handicap (1,200m).
Blessed Nation, another contender for the four-year-old series, had a win in Chantilly and three placings in France when known as Bless for trainer Fabrice Chappet.
“He’s a horse that would need to cover a bit more ground, but he’s shown a bit of freshness in his trials and a bit of speed,” Hewitson said of Douglas Whyte’s recruit.
“We don’t expect to win the first time, especially over six furlongs, but I think he is a very progressive horse and is likely to put in a standout performance on his debut.”
Hewitson’s other rides include last-start dirt winner Colorful Baron and consistent types Highland Rahy, Strathpeffer and Ching.
“I think these are the type of horses that will be in the money all day and hopefully we can get our noses in front a few times,” Hewitson said.
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