Tony Cruz has his sights on the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on March 24th for Fallon, following the young stayer's impressive win in the Class 4 Tin Wan Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin on December 26th. The Galileo Gold three-year-old, formerly known as Rothko in Ireland, showcased Four-Year-Old Classic Series potential, surging from the rear at the 400m mark under jockey Keith Yeung. Cruz, considering a Classic tilt, highlighted Fallon's maturation since arriving in Hong Kong, expressing optimism about the BMW Hong Kong Derby.
Cruz stated, 'I'm going that way – the 1600-meter race on the 12th of February and then after that another two races – an 1800m and a 2000m – before the Derby.' Cruz, with previous Derby successes, sees potential in Fallon's campaign.
Lyle Hewitson achieved a treble, elevating him to second place on the Hong Kong trainers' championship with 24 wins for the season. Trainer Francis Lui outlined Classic Mile hopes for Chancheng Glory, ridden by Hewitson, who secured the final leg of the treble in the Class 3 Pak Tin Handicap (1600m). Hewitson expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the rewarding nature of Chancheng Glory's win.
Super Goldi, a HK$4.6 million purchase at the 2023 Hong Kong International Sale, delivered Frankie Lor's first success with a Hong Kong International Sale graduate. Lor mentioned the horse's ability to handle longer distances but ruled out immediate Derby considerations.
Fun Elite, a first-start victor trained by Benno Yung, and Northern Beaches, trained by Chris So, continued Hewitson's successful day. Xponential, an eight-year-old trained by Douglas Whyte, showcased versatility with a win in the Class 2 Choi Hung Handicap (1200m, dirt).
Jockey Karis Teetan, with 33 wins for the campaign after a double, praised Xponential's toughness. Teetan also rode Raging Blizzard to victory in the Nam Sham Handicap (1200m) for John Size.
Luke Ferraris maintained a perfect record aboard Diamond Flare, winning the Class 4 Tin Sau Handicap (1200m) for Mark Newnham. Purton leads the jockeys' championship with 47 wins, while Manfred Man and James McDonald combined with Miracles for success in the Class 5 Wu King Handicap (1200m, dirt).
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