With under three weeks until one of the highlights of our season, the BMW Hong Kong Derby scenario looks as intriguing as ever after a spectacular renewal of the Hong Kong Classic Cup at Sha Tin last Sunday.
While honours deservedly rested with California Spangle, Tony Cruz and Zac Purton after the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), there were several factors to consider out of the race – not least the performance of the winner.
California Spangle was sent to the races in excellent order by Tony and then perfectly rated by Zac, who ruthlessly controlled the tempo from the front at a comfortable tempo before relying on California Spangle’s class to carry him to victory with a closing sectional of 23.66s, which was the fifth-best in the race.
The question remains whether this brilliant galloper can run out a strong 2000m in the BMW Hong Kong Derby on 20 March. Zac, after his superb ride, in his post-race interview said that California Spangle is a very good horse and his class won the race but in the last 100m, he felt the horse was empty.
Turin Redsun, who has been a revelation throughout the Four-Year-Old Classic series, appears to have no stamina issues after returning a race-best final sectional of 23.23s in steaming from eighth at the 400m to get within a length of the winner.
That effort certainly drew the attention of the handicapper, who has lifted Douglas Whyte’s young stayer eight points in the ratings to 92. Similarly, Money Catcher’s effort to hold on for third after sitting behind only California Spangle (101) in the run saw him rise 10 points to 88 ahead of the Derby.
Romantic Warrior (101), who covered plenty of ground from barrier 13, was certainly the hard luck story of the race and lost none of my admiration, recording 23.50s for the final 400m to finish fourth, only two and half lengths away. Being four to five horses wide made it impossible for him to win and with a better run, there is no doubt he could have posed some serious questions for those finished ahead of him on Sunday.
Senor Toba (fifth) and The Irishman (sixth) were the other eye-catchers with final sectionals, respectively, of 23.41s and 23.40s after the pair was in the last three runners at the home turn.
The Class 3 Mei Tin Handicap (1800m) also contained clues on Sunday with Tony Cruz again leading Douglas Whyte home in a contest between two BMW Hong Kong Derby aspirants. Champion Dragon clocked 23.44s for his last 400m when leading, while Boom Alliance clocked 23.25s to charge from sixth in losing by only a short head.
On a personal note, I am honoured to have been elected as Vice-President of the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC). The IHSC’s charter is encourage cooperation and the exchange of information on all matters of mutual interest between the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), as well as to represent the collective interests of the horse industry with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and other international bodies.
I look forward to working with the IHSC President Ingmar De Vos and the General Assembly to further the interests of our sport for the betterment of all.
At Happy Valley on Wednesday night, the final race on the card is the Class 3 Baker Handicap over 1200 metres with last start winners Toronado Phantom and Lucky Sweynesse heading a field of 12 runners.
The pace will be good to slow with Magic Phoenix likely to take up the running as he steps up in trip with Lyle Hewitson picking up the ride. Lucky Sweynesse will be in close contention along with Prance Dragon.
Lucky Sweynesse was impressive winning his career debut three weeks ago in his first ever appearance at Happy Valley. Lucky Sweynesse’s rating has risen by nine pounds and lifted him into Class 3, which will make it more challenging for him to win against other proven Class 3 horses. He gets in with a light weight moving up in grade and Joao Moreira will have him well placed on or near the pace. He is a win and place chance.
Prance Dragon comes into the race with a string of good efforts over the course and distance. He will push forward under Derek Leung to settle inside of midfield and is a place chance.
Toronado Phantom has won two of his last three starts and comes off a solid win at the class, course and distance with a strong closing sectional. Zac Purton accepts the return engagement and Toronado Phantom is a strong place chance with his big finishing kick.
Shining Gem is a place chance from midfield under Harry Bentley as he drops back in trip and returns to Happy Valley. His recent form is very respectable and he should not be overlooked in this grade.
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