BMW Hong Kong Derby aspirants vie for position at Sha Tin

The road to the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) is shortening with the Four-Year-Old Classic Series already underway and the big race less than two months away, and on Saturday night the picture should become clearer with six Derby entrants looking to strengthen their credentials in the Class 2 Azalea Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin.

New Zealand import Super Oasis (123 lbs), to be ridden by Joao Moreira, is among the mix of hopefuls, along with Enjoying (122 lbs), Columbus County (121 lbs), Butterfield (120 lbs), Savvy Nine (119 lbs) and Amazing Beats (117 lbs), but the Brazilian ace has it narrowed down to three leading candidates.

"I don't think there's much between Enjoying, Super Oasis, and Columbus County; it seems like these three are the stand outs and this race will give us a very good guide toward the Hong Kong Derby," he said.

Moreira will take the ride on the Frankie Lor-trained Super Oasis for the first time after guiding Columbus County to a slashing second last start behind Preciousship, who prior to that win got within a head of More Than This, runner-up to stablemate Golden Sixty in the HK$10 million Hong Kong Classic Mile on Monday.

"I was booked to ride Super Oasis before I rode Columbus County; obviously Columbus County ran really well the other day and he's no doubt one of the leading chances in the race," Moreira said.

The 4-year-old gelding arrived in Hong Kong off the back of a third-place effort in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick but his two major wins came in New Zealand at Group 2 level - the Auckland Guineas (1600m) followed by the Avondale Guineas (2100m).

Moreira has partnered Super Oasis in trackwork and in a recent dirt trial at Sha Tin, crossing the line in third.

"He's been a little bit more forward than I was expecting, he's still a little bit immature but that is expected at his age and with how many races he's had," he said.

"He's drawn gate five, which is not too bad--he should have every chance from there, although there are a few other good horses in the race with strong chances like him so I need to be respectful to them," he added.

The Rock `N' Pop gelding steps out on a rating of 87 for his fourth start in Hong Kong, a mark that his handler is looking to increase.

"He looks like he's improving every race and because his rating is 87 I think we need to get him to around 90 or even a little bit higher for the Derby. So that's why I didn't enter him for the Classic Mile, instead we opted for this . . . Class 2 contest," Lor said.

It will be a straight swap in Saturday night's nine-furlong test for two three-time champion jockeys as Moreira moves to Super Oasis from rival Columbus County, while Zac Purton, a two-time partner for Super Oasis earlier this term, slides across to Columbus County.

"We're all shuffling rides all the time," Purton said. "It was just a matter of finding the right horse but hopefully Columbus County puts his hand up. He looked as if he was strong on the line so I'm not worried about the extra distance."

The Caspar Fownes-trained gelding has raced twice but suffered a setback after a fast-finishing fourth on his local debut, which resulted in a two-month break between runs.

"He cut his stifle in the gates on debut and it took a while for that issue to heal over but he's come back alright and his last run was very pleasing so it's all systems go moving forward," Fownes said.

"Both of his runs have been very pleasing. He was obviously very unlucky last start he should have won but he needs to be coming out and winning--so he's then a chance in the Derby."

The handler is no stranger to Derby success, having won the feature in 2010 with Super Satin and he is hopeful the Redwood gelding can follow a similar path under Purton.

"Joao (Moreira) had a prior engagement but we're lucky that Zac (Purton) was available so we snatched him up. We've come up with a good gate so hopefully the extra furlong will be to our advantage," Fownes said.

John Moore goes into Saturday night's test with a three-pronged attack, led by Enjoying who is looking to better a fast-finishing third last start. Moore's other chances include 5-year-old Classic Beauty (119 lbs) and fellow Derby entrant Savvy Nine.

That fast-finishing effort of Enjoying caught the eye of Silvestre de Sousa, prompting the three-time British champion jockey to extend his license to conclude on Sunday in a bid to partner the Australian-bred gelding in the Classic Cup and Derby. The Brazilian's license was initially meant to expire on Jan. 29, 2020.

"Silvestre de Sousa staying on for the meeting this weekend means that he's quite positive about the horses chances going forward to the Classic Cup and the Derby," the handler said.

"He went out this morning; he looks very well in himself. De Sousa galloped him in company yesterday and the feedback was very positive so it's all systems go."

The grey clocked the final fastest 400m of the race despite hitting trouble in the straight, stopping the clock at 22.52s, and has since stepped out for a grass trial at Sha Tin, crossing the line first after settling at the rear.

"It was a very encouraging trial and when we add it up we're right on target with respect to what we're trying to do and get him to the Derby," Moore said.

The Dundeel gelding raced seven times Down Under for four wins including a pair of Group 2's, the Autumn Classic (1800m) at Caulfield and the Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley.

Saturday night's 10-race card will commence at 11:15 p.m. ET / 8:15 p.m. PT with the Class 4 Orchid Handicap (1200m).

Race 1: #9 Breeze Of Spring, #8 Wayfoong Star, #12 Supreme Witness, #6 M M Johnny

Race 2: #9 Team Power, #3 Juneau Park, #1 Power King, #6 Jade Phoenix

Race 3: #10 Red Brick Fighter, #13 Triumphant Lord, #4 Flying Monkey, #8 Seize The Spirit

Race 4: #14 Casimiro, #9 Here Comes Ted, #2 Circuit Hassler, #13 Best For You

Race 5: #4 Monica, #5 Super Elegance, #3 Lakeshore Eagle, #8 Money Back

Race 6: #12 Megatron, #3 Lasting Friendship, #10 Kelmimi Wins, #13 Foodie Princess

Race 7: #1 Holy Heart, #8 Righteous Doctrine, #11 Travel First, #5 Mongolian Legend

Race 8: #10 Utopia Life, #5 Harmony And Rich, #12 Ka Ying Master, #11 Goko

Race 9: #8 Inner Flame, #1 Invincible Missile, #9 Island Shine, #12 Glenealy Generals

Race 10: #7 Enjoying, #8 Columbus County, #6 Super Oasis, #12 Savvy Nine

Race 1: Orchid Handicap (2nd Section)

#9 Breeze Of Spring has race experience on his side and this could see him get over the line in first here. He has been competitive all season without winning and unless one of these first starters turns it up in their Hong Kong debut, he's going to prove hard to beat. #8 Wayfoong Star went under as a dominant 1.8 favorite on debut earlier this month.

Prior to that he had trialed well and although he was swamped late after leading throughout, he still kept on nicely for fourth. #12 Supreme Witness steps up to Class 4 following his third win at his 26th Hong Kong start. He'll roll forward and make his own luck and he's another with race experience on their side. #6 M M Johnny steps out on debut. He trialed soundly and he might be able to make his presence felt on debut.

Race 2: Orchid Handicap (1st Section)

#9 Team Power steps out on debut for leading trainer Ricky Yiu. Silvestre de Sousa takes the reins here following an eye-catching trial down the straight only nine days ago. He did it under his own steam that day and he's worth taking a chance on against this field. #3 Juneau Park comes out of the same race as Wayfoong Star (R1), finishing runner-up at his first appearance on race day. He closed well enough on debut to suggest that with further improvement, he was capable of breaking through very soon.

#1 Power King has twice gone under by short-head over this course and distance across his four-start career. He gets the services of Zac Purton for this and if he can shoulder 129 lbs from the good gate, he's going to be in the thick things. #6 Jade Phoenix is another who steps out on debut. Key jockey booking of Joao Moreira is interesting to note as he hops off Juneau Park to ride this debutante who crossed the line in third under his own steam in a recent barrier trial.

Race 3: Rose Handicap

#10 Red Brick Fighter turned his form around last start to grab third at his first appearance for David Hall after transferring from the Danny Shum yard. Suspect he has finally ready to piece it all together after 10 starts in Hong Kong and the inside gate should afford him every opportunity to do so. #13 Triumphant Lord is trained by that man, Danny Shum. He's another who turned his form around at his 10th start in Hong Kong, flashing from the tail of the field for Matthew Poon to grab fourth, beaten only by a length. He'll need a race run to suit but with plenty of pace on paper he's going to get this which should give him every chance.

#4 Flying Monkey is the veteran of the field with 37 starts under his belt including two wins and an astonishing eight second place efforts, including his latest outing. He has drawn a touch awkward for Alexis Badel which is a slight concern but his race experience and latest performance rate highly for this. #8 Seize The Spirit is looking to end a run of two runner-up efforts. He has returned in excellent order this season and the booking of Joao Moreira warrants respect.

Race 4: Peach Blossom Handicap

#14 Casimiro narrowly missed at his first run trainer Paul O'Sullivan after switching from the Dennis Yip yard. Although he's winless across 18 starts, he has shown he has ability and Karis Teetan is currently getting the best out of him as his last two runs have shown. This is his chance to snare a breakthrough win with only 116 lbs on his back. #9 Here Comes Ted has drawn horribly but he has always shown a spark of ability. He steps out to 1400m which he appears to want and with the blinkers applied to sharpen him up, he might just be ready to go on with it.

#2 Circuit Hassler narrowly missed last start. He's a 42-start veteran who is a course and distance winner, so, with race-experience on his side and Joao Moreira aboard, he should find himself in the thick of things here. #13 Best For You has had four runs back this term. He's next best with only 116 lbs allotted.

Race 5: Daisy Handicap

#4 Monica is looking to end a run of three second place efforts and once again he rates as the one to beat. Joao Moreira hops on this time and if he rattles home like he did from last at his latest starts, he's going to prove tough to catch. #5 Super Elegance is another who is looking to end a run of three runner-up efforts. He still has plenty of upside with only 11 runs under his belt in Hong Kong after transferring from New Zealand where he was a one-time winner. This is a suitable race for him and he rates as the main danger to Monica's chances of bouncing back to the winner's stall after a frustrating season.

#3 Lakeshore Eagle has all the ability in the world it's just a matter of when he turns it on. He did three starts ago at his first outing but since then he's either found trouble or settled too far back in the field with too much work to do. If he can settle closer to midfield then he has an excellent chance of bouncing back although the only concern is whether he handles the step up to 1600m, which it appears he will. #8 Money Back turned his form around to finish second at 69/1 last time out. He'll be thereabouts with Silvestre de Sousa up.

Race 6: Peony Handicap

#12 Megatron should be able to find the rail with ease from the inside draw and the booking of Matthew Chadwick for this assignment warrants respect. He gets in the light with only 117 lbs on his back and if he makes his own luck from the gate, he could prove difficult to reel in. #3 Lasting Friendship is a course and distance winner. He's another who is likely to roll forward from the inside gate to sit alongside Megatron as the pair did last time out. He'll be much improved with two runs under his belt and this race is suitable enough.

#10 Kelmimi Wins wasn't too far away against Griffin company last time out. He closed reasonably well in a recent dirt trial and if he finds that form here he might be worth taking a chance on. #13 Foodie Princess commands respect with Joao Moreira in the plate.

Race 7: Lily Handicap

#1 Holy Heart has displayed plenty of early ability across his winless six-start career since arriving to Hong Kong from Great Britain where he was trained by John Gosden. He was a two-time winner on the polytrack at Kempton and he has clearly shown that he's taken a liking to the Sha Tin dirt with three placings on the surface next to his name. He gets the blinkers first time to sharpen him up and this race is well within his reach. #8 Righteous Doctrine narrowly missed two starts before snatching second in his latest as a 3.6 second favorite. He has drawn to get the gun run for Joao Moreira and a breakthrough win doesn't appear too far away for trainer Michael Chang.

#11 Travel First is another from the Michael Chang yard. He's racing well and with experience on his side he knows what this is all about. #5 Mongolian Legend is a two-time course and distance winner, including a win already this season. He'll need a race run to suit if he is to rattle home but if he gets it, he's in with shout.

Race 8: Cineraria Handicap

#10 Utopia Life was a winner over this course and distance last season however was demoted due to interference. He has since returned in excellent order, tallying three consecutive runner-up efforts on the dirt and his latest run being arguably the best of them all, narrowly missing over this course and distance. He can take beating here for Silvestre de Sousa who will be looking to atone for that demoted win.

#5 Harmony And Rich has hit the ground since his arrival to Hong Kong, snatching two consecutive third place efforts at his only two outings. Zac Purton retains the ride here and he commands respect. Benno Yung and Joao Moreira combined for a win on Wednesday at the Valley and the pair will be looking to do the same again here with #12 Ka Ying Master. He's a two-time course and distance winner who returned to his best last start with a neck defeat down the straight. #11 Goko is as consistent as they come. He's third-up into this which suits and he should be in the thick of it for Dennis Yip and Dylan Mo.

Race 9: Daffodil Handicap

#8 Inner Flame has hit the ground since commencing his career by winning his first two consecutive starts in an impressive manner. He careered away nicely last start over this course and distance and although he steps up to Class 3, he doesn't meet an overly strong field and he appears to have a number of ratings points still in hand. #1 Invincible Missile is a proven Class 3 winner. He retains the services of Zac Purton here which suits and although he has drawn wide, he should be able to cross from there without finding too much trouble of the first furlong.

#9 Island Shine impressed on debut before setting himself an impossible task last time out from the rail of field. Still, he did manage to run home quite well and with a positive ride he can make his presence felt. #12 Glenealy Generals has been thereabouts all campaign. He can figure with only 118 lbs to carry and that man, Karis Teetan who is fresh off a Valley treble sticking aboard.

Race 10: Azalea Handicap

#7 Enjoying comes here with a stack of class behind him as a dual Group 2 winner Australia, firstly by securing the Autumn Classic (1800m) at Caulfield before the Alistair Clarke Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley. Since his arrival in Hong Kong he has raced three times, his latest being his best run where he flashed home over 1800m to grab an eye-catching third. He has shown that his best form is when he is ridden cold and with a stack of pace on paper here it should ensure a true enough tempo is set for him to benefit from.

#8 Columbus County narrowly missed at his latest in Class 2 level over the mile. He couldn't have been more impressive that day and with an added furlong on offer here, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him go one better as he heads toward the BMW Hong Kong Derby, much like Enjoying and #6 Super Oasis, who rattled home for fourth at his third attempt at racing in Hong Kong. He's another who arrives with a strong resume behind him, firstly by winning the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) at Ellerslie before an Australian Derby (2400m) third place effort at his final run. He'll only continue to improve as he acclimatizes and steps up in trip. #12 Savvy Nine flashed home to grab second at the Valley last time out. He has flown under the radar a touch but he does have plenty of class about his as a two-time Group 3 placegetter in France pre-import.