The HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) is traditionally one of the highlights of the Hong Kong racing season and last Sunday’s (2 March) edition was no exception with RUBYLOT winning an intriguing contest.
Second last on the home turn, RUBYLOT produced the fastest final 400m sectional of the race in 22.30s to beat MY WISH by three quarters of a length and was a deserving winner for David Hayes and Brenton Avdulla, while JOHANNES BRAHMS finished off the race strongly despite having difficulty from the 300m in obtaining a clear run and coming into contact with RUBYLOT.
Looking to the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 23 March, RUBYLOT and JOHANNES BRAHMS (22.57s) were certainly strong at the end of 1800m, Hong Kong Classic Mile winner MY WISH (22.87s) lost no admirers with his brave second while PACKING ANGEL (fourth, 22.81s) and STUNNING PEACH (sixth, 23.05s) gave the impression they will be suited by even further.
With only five lengths separating the first 10 horses across the line, the race was run at a strong tempo with an overall time of 1m 46.29s – more than a second inside standard – in a searching test of stamina which found out some horses, while suiting others
One of the most impressive performances of last weekend’s meeting came from ENTHRALLED, who showed his staying potential by sprinting from last on the home turn in 22.12s to win the Class 3 Yan Tin Handicap (2000m) for John Size and Brenton Avdulla.
By AMERICAN PHAROAH out of GALILEO mare AMUSER, ENTHRALLED won twice over 2021m and 1819m in England for Sir Michael Stoute when he raced as JAMES WEBB and he is certainly a horse to follow now he has adjusted to Hong Kong conditions.
In addition to the winners’ prizemoney of HK$1,148,000, ENTHRALLED also collected a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million.
Our Neon Nights series continues at Happy Valley’s world-famous Beer Garden tonight (5 March) with a Bollywood theme. One of the most anticipated social occasions on our entertainment calendar, Bollywood Nights is a celebration of the vibrant traditions of the Indian community, who are a vital part of Hong Kong’s rich and diverse heritage.
Our visitors can sample Indian food and beverages and enjoy Bollywood Beats while watching nine races of world-class competition on the track.
At Happy Valley on Wednesday night (5 March), the Class 3 Kwoon Chung Bus 60th Anniversary Cup Handicap is carded as Race 7 at 9.45pm and will be run over 1200m for prizemoney of HK$1.86 million.
The pace will be good with FRANCIS MEYNELL (Matthew Chadwick) likely to lead from gate six. ROMANTIC SON (Harry Bentley) will also go forward from gate five along with SUNNY DA BEST (Ryan Moore) and TAI VICTORY (Luke Ferraris).
SUNNY DA BEST impressed beating INVINCIBLE LUCKY at Sha Tin on 12 January and then handled the rise in class to beat all but MID WINTER WIND on 31 January. SUNNY DA BEST has not raced at Happy Valley but trialled well twice and the track and he is my win and place selection.
FRANCIS MEYNELL has had four runs at Sha Tin, all over 1200m, and at the last three of those has jumped from the outside gate. He was excellent behind THE BOOM BOX two starts ago when he crossed from the outside and fought on strongly in the straight to finish second. He is also a win and place chance in an open race.
YOUNG EMPEROR (Hugh Bowman) won on debut in October when he came with a sustained run to beat ROMANTIC SON. His only run since was again over this course and trip on 20 November when he was bumped at the start and then raced keenly before fading in the run home behind GUSTOSISIMO. YOUNG EMPEROR is drawn perfectly in gate four and is a place chance.
ROMANTIC SON ran well over this course and trip in October behind YOUNG EMPEROR and was again runner-up over 1200m at Sha Tin behind DANCING CODE on 1 January. Back to this course and distance, ROMANTIC SON is a place chance.
GOLDEN EMPIRE (Lyle Hewitson) and BEAUTY INFINITY (Alexis Badel) will also run well.
Comment
