Irish-Bred PENIAPHOBIA (IRE) became only the second three-year-old ever to win the Group 2 BOCHK Wealth Management Jockey Club Sprint at Sha Tin yesterday. This makes the son of Dandy Man (IRE) one of the leading contenders for December’s Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint as yesterday’s contest has long been seen as the premier trial for the Group 1 sprint. PENIAPHOBIA (IRE) finished runner up in the National Day Cup (HKG3) on his penultimate start before winning on his latest start. His trainer Tony Cruz said of future plans; “He was the youngest horse in the field today and he’s done that very well. He’s an improving horse and I think he’s a series contender for the Hong Kong Sprint in three weeks’ time. He’ll be stronger and fitter and he’ll be much more professional.” Bred in Ireland by Aidan Fogarty, PENIAPHOBIA (IRE) was purchased at Goffs November Foal Sale for €11,000 by Ballyhane Stud who stands his sire Dandy Man (IRE) for a fee of €6,500. A half-brother to the Listed-place Safari Sunset (IRE), his full-sister was purchased by BBA Ireland and Biddestone Stud for €42,000 at Goffs last week.
Irish-sires continued to dominate proceedings yesterday as BLAZING SPEED by Coolmore resident Dylan Thomas (IRE) won the Group 2 Longines Jockey Club Cup. He settled well throughout finishing strongly holding off Irish-Breds Military Attack (IRE) and last year’s winner Endowing (IRE). A group race double for trainer Tony Cruz, BLAZING SPEED will definitely go to the Hong Kong Cup.
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