The BMW Hong Kong Derby looms large with only 11 days to the Sha Tin Classic and, in the absence of a dominant favourite, the 2021 edition of Hong Kong’s most prestigious race shapes as one of the most fascinating in history.
Unlike last year when Golden Sixty carried all before him for Francis Lui and Vincent Ho in a famous victory, the 2021 Derby is anything but clear-cut after the first two legs of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series were claimed by Excellent Proposal (Classic Mile) and Healthy Happy (Classic Cup).
There was much to admire about those two performances – and also plenty to like about some of the runs behind those horses, including Tourbillon Diamond and Russian Emperor’s efforts.
It is possible to make a case for many of the selected runners in contention ahead of the final field being declared next week, especially when it is considered three and a half lengths covered the first six runners home in the Hong Kong Classic Mile. In the Hong Kong Classic Cup, the margin from Healthy Happy to 10th place was three and three-quarter lengths.
As racing purists and avid form students sift through the relevance of many different form lines, the barrier draw will be crucial – as will, luck in running.
At this stage, my leading preferences remain Excellent Proposal, Tourbillon Diamond, Shadow Hero and Silver Express, who won so impressively over 1400m last start for John Size.
For me, the 2021 BMW Hong Kong Derby is one of the most open Derbies in memory.
There are two G1 winners among the selected runners – Shadow Hero, who won the Spring Champion Stakes and Randwick Guineas in Australia, and Panfield, who boasts G1 victories in three Chilean features, including South America’s oldest Stakes race, the El Ensayo Mega (2400m).
Tourbillon Diamond (third in the 2020 Australian Derby at Randwick) and Congratulation (2019 Phoenix Stakes at The Curragh) have both been placed at G1 level.
Horses aside, another fascinating aspect to next week’s Classic is the number of trainers who have previously triumphed in the Derby.
John Size (three wins) will be represented by Excellent Proposal, Lucky Express and Silver Express; Tony Cruz (four times as a jockey and twice as a trainer) has Delightful Laos and Packing Waltham among the entries; David Hayes, who succeeded with Elegant Fashion in 2003, is represented by Shadow Hero and Conqueror.
Tony Millard (two previous Derby wins) is searching for a third with Panfield and Maximus, while Frankie Lor looks to add Healthy Happy’s name to Furore’s as a Derby champion.
Douglas Whyte has ridden three Derby victors and is searching for his first as a trainer with British G3 winner Russian Emperor, who finished seventh in the 2020 G1 Derby Stakes at Epsom, and also has Congratulation.
With so many different strands, the Derby shapes as a truly exciting contest.
On Wednesday night, The Class 3 Baker Handicap is the eighth race of the evening and will be run over 1200 metres. Capital Star (Joao Moreira) will go forward to set a good pace along with Beauty Amigo (Matthew Poon) and Stanley Park (Blake Shinn). First Responder (Antoine Hamelin) and Super Power Man (Matthew Chadwick) will also do their part to ensure an honest tempo.
Capital Star has made a positive impression since coming here as a three-time winner from minor tracks in Australia and starting his Hong Kong career on a rating of 69. He made all the running as an impressive winner in the class, course and distance last month and is a win and place chance to repeat. Despite being drawn in gate six, he will need to use his speed to avoid being trapped wide as there is a lot of pace to his inside.
Alcari (Ruan Maia) and Starz Hero (Dylan Mo) will both go back from their wide draws but should benefit from the quick tempo and can finish the race off well as place chances. Wind N Grass (Karis Teetan) received a perfect trip when winning his last start just one week ago and is in career best form. He must carry top weight and is also a place chance.
Kinda Cool (Zac Purton) had a tough trip last time out and should find a good midfield position with the in-form Purton aboard. He is also a place chance.
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