The road to the BMW Hong Kong Derby is gradually taking shape and, with the big race now just over 10 weeks away, there is precious little margin for error for those with genuine Classic ambitions.
A potential Derby winner needs a rare blend of qualities but the skill a trainer needs to ensure a high-class youngster progresses in the right direction is a vital part of the puzzle and it was fascinating to hear John Size assessing the challenge after Beauty Legacy’s impressive success at Sha Tin on Sunday.
It takes an unusual horse to make a winning debut in Hong Kong from a rating of 92 but Beauty Legacy did so in style – clocking the fastest closing split of the day in a well-run race – and has clearly retained all the ability he showed to compete with some of Australia’s best milers last year.
But, with 11 championships and three Derby wins behind him, John knows that raw ability alone isn’t always enough to take a horse to the top in a demanding environment like Hong Kong.
The form book shows that Beauty Legacy found a dream run up the inside from his high draw under Joao Moreira and put himself firmly in the reckoning for the Hong Kong Classic Mile on 27 January and possibly the Derby itself.
Reports suggest John has never had a newcomer win from such a high mark before – which tells you we are dealing with a horse of high potential – but Beauty Legacy was noticeably edgy both in the paddock and behind the stalls.
Our champion trainer admits that he now has to work out how to ensure that his new recruit continues to channel all his considerable energy in the right direction but that is the sort of high-class problem any trainer would love to have at this important time of year.
Golden Sixty and More Than This have already set the bar high for the Four-Year-Old Classic Series for Francis Lui and impressive debut winner Private Secretary will bid to enhance his claims for Tony Cruz when he steps out again at Sha Tin this Saturday.
But before then we have a very significant night in store as Happy Valley stages the January Cup as race 6 on a nine-race card.
This G3 contest is the most prestigious race run our spectacular city track and a good pace is expected over 1800m. Time Warp will show his usual speed to make the running with Simply Brilliant and Southern Legend in close contention to keep him honest.
It is interesting to note that Time Warp’s first victory in Hong Kong came when he set a new track record over course and distance in June 2017, while Simply Brilliant’s last win came in this race 12 months ago.
Macau-based Sacred Capital makes history as the first international horse to compete at the Valley and has Joao Moreira aboard for the first time after a promising effort in the G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse, while the reliable Harmony Victory makes his first appearance under lights here after a quiet trial two weeks ago.
Southern Legend did not stay the 2400m trip in the Group 1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase but has since trialled well at the Valley. He must overcome the difficult task of top weight in handicap conditions but should get a good trip and is a win and place chance.
Time Warp may not be the same horse he was two seasons ago but remains capable at this level. He enjoyed a solid trial last month to signal his sharpness and should carry his speed deep into the race. He is a place chance along with Harmony Victory and Sacred Capital.
Comment
