Super Joy N Fun’s (NZ) (What’s The Story) unblemished record will go on the line in Wednesday night’s (8 May) Class 3 Shelley Handicap (1200m) at Happy Valley.
Two for two to commence his career for trainer Benno Yung, the gifted Super Joy N Fun faces nine rivals in his class-rising task, including five who have won in the grade before.
Zac Purton takes the mount this week from barrier one. Jerry Chau, who is suspended, steered the three-year-old son of What’s The Story to both of his previous victories.
“He’s had two starts for two wins. He’s done it in impressive fashion. He’s drawn a nice gate and he has a light weight, so he’s going to get his chance again,” Purton said.
The 65-rater sports the same silks as Joy And Fun, a top-level winner in Hong Kong, who prevailed in the 2010 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan when the race was run over 1200m and at Group 3 level. Joy And Fun also placed in two more editions of Dubai’s premier dash in 2012 and 2013, both times when the race was contested over 1000m at Group One level.
Super Joy N Fun finished second in a recent turf barrier trial at Conghua, clocking 58.55s under Chau, who made the journey from Sha Tin to partner the speedster in his hit-out.
“He’s still a little bit immature physically, so I think he’s going to continue to develop and hopefully continue to go up in the ratings. He’s a nice ride to get on, he’s a gentleman to ride as well. I rode him in work and he was as quiet as they come, he just cruises around, so he obviously saves himself for race day,” Purton said.
Super Joy N Fun carries 120lb, armed with a rampaging Purton, who rode a four-timer on Sunday (5 May) at Sha Tin to bank his ninth 100-win season in Hong Kong.
“It’s good. It’s always good to reach 100 wins. It’s been a challenging season, for a number of reasons, but it’s always good to get to the ton, it makes it feel like the season’s a bit better, like I’ve accomplished something. It’s always a good benchmark and we still have a few more meetings left, so hopefully I can close it off strongly,” Purton said.
Super Joy N Fun is a son of the Savabeel stallion What’s The Story and was a strong trial winner for New Plymouth trainer Debbie Harris before his sale to Hong Kong.
Out of the Elusive City mare Citycenta, Super Joy N Fun was known as Buyback in New Zealand and is a half-brother to the stakes performer City Slicker. He was bred by Peter and Sue Westend who stand What’s The Story, a Group One performed son of Savabeel, at their Norweigan Park in Ohaupo.
