Top Dragon ready for Year of the Horse Cup assault
Chris So’s promising galloper Top Dragon returns quickly to action in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 The Year Of The Horse Cup Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin on Thursday.
The gelding finished a creditable fifth in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on February 1, the opening leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, and connections are keen to capitalise on his lightweight advantage for a strong start to the Year of the Horse.
“I think it was a fine performance and the owner was happy,” So, reflecting on the Hong Kong Classic Mile, said.
“At least the horse proved he was competitive over 1600 (metres). Unfortunately, he was crowded near the 150m mark, and without that incident he might have finished third, or even closer. The winner, Little Paradise, was very strong and I didn’t think we could beat him in that race.”
So said the decision to back up Top Dragon so quickly was based on several factors.
“Top Dragon has continued to improve. Last time he raced under set weights, but in The Year Of The Horse Cup, with the rating band set at 105–80, he only needs to carry 118lb, which is a big plus,” he said.
“He pulled up well after his last run; he has maintained good form and is eating well. He’s honest, easy to train, and the type of horse any trainer would love to have. Maxime (Guyon) told me after the last race that we should go again, and we all hope he can take another step forward this time.”
Top Dragon will bypass the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, but the HK$26 million 149th Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on March 22 remains under consideration. His rating has climbed to 84 after his gallant fifth in the Hong Kong Classic Mile.
“If he runs well on Thursday, I’ll discuss with the owner whether we target the Derby,” So said.
“Maxime will stay on as his jockey. The owner is very supportive, and we’ll put the horse first before making any final decision.”
Guyon, fresh from a successful trip to Qatar where he rode four winners on Saturday, including the Group 1 H.H. The Amir Sword (2400m) for purebred Arabians aboard Lippo De Carrere – will partner Top Dragon again.
The Year Of The Horse Cup, run as Race 6 at 3pm, also features Encountered (135lb), Beauty Eternal (130lb), Gorgeous Win (130lb), Packing Angel (125lb), Soleil Fighter (125lb), Voyage Samurai (121lb), Talent Ambition (120lb), Regal Gem (119lb) and Stunning Peach (118lb).
Thursday’s (February 19) 11-race Year Of The Horse Raceday at Sha Tin begins at 12.30pm local time with the Class 5 Kung Hei Handicap (1200m).
Horse racing bookmakers are yet to launch markets on Thursday’s Sha Tin meeting, with Hong Kong racing markets usually set the day before the races.
