Trainer Chang Wins His Way to Another Season

Hong Kong trainer Michael Chang has avoided a performance strike on his licence with the win by Lady's Choice (Charm Spirit-No Pushover, by Pins) on Monday night, reports scmp.com. Single-site trainers such as Chang must register at least 16 wins, of which a maximum of two Class Five victories count for the purposes of the Jockey Club's performance criteria, not to receive a strike. With two strikes on his record from previous below-par terms, Chang had to meet the criteria this season to be granted a licence for next season. The win by Lady's Choice took Chang to 19 wins for this season, however, this win took him to the required 16 eligible wins for the season. "Very appreciative of all the public and the owners. They support me. They spoil me. Very touching. Very happy," Chang said. "I never question myself. I always thought I could make it. "Lady's Choice has now won two in succession, and took his record to two wins and two placings from nine starts, all of them in Hong Kong. He won a trial in NZ prior to arriving in Hong Kong in mid-2022. Prior to that, Lady's Choice was a $25,000 yearling sold by Ardsley Stud at the 2021 NZB National Yearling Sale. He is the second foal of Listed Inglewood Stakes winner No Pushover.