Trainer David Hayes believes China Win could force his way into the BMW Hong Kong Derby picture if the improving gelding delivers another strong performance at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.
China Win heads to the Class 3 Lyttelton Handicap (1800m) under leading rider Zac Purton, carrying 121lb and hoping to replicate the path taken by Beauty Alliance last season. A victory in this race previously secured that horse the final place in the prestigious BMW Hong Kong Derby, and Hayes is hopeful a similar outcome could unfold again.
Currently rated 67, China Win sits on the fringe of Derby calculations. However, the selection panel will finalise the 14-runner field later this week, leaving the door open for a late surge in ratings.
Hayes said the horse has been working well in preparation for the assignment.
“I think if he was lucky enough to win, then he’d be in the calculations to get the last spot,” Hayes explained. “The horse has drawn well in gate three and his trackwork and trials have been excellent.”
The trainer noted that China Win’s preparation had briefly been interrupted earlier in the season.
“He had a bit of time between runs because he was scratched due to a heart anomaly, which was rectified straight away,” Hayes added. “That put us a bit behind the eight ball, but he’s in good form for this race.”
China Win’s Late Push Toward the BMW Hong Kong Derby
The BMW Hong Kong Derby, scheduled for 22 March at Sha Tin, represents one of the season’s defining contests for four-year-olds in Hong Kong racing.
China Win, a son of Super Seth, has taken time to develop but has recently begun to show the stamina and resilience needed for longer trips. It took seven attempts for the gelding to register his first victory, but he has since followed up with another win over the same 1800m distance.
Hayes believes the horse’s form line offers encouragement ahead of Wednesday’s test.
“His win before last was probably more eye-catching with Zac on when he came from last and barrier 14,” Hayes said. “Even the start before that he was only beaten an inch, so he’s in really good form.
“He’s by a sire that produces horses who get over a bit of ground. We couldn’t be happier with the way he’s progressing.”
Another runner who could enter the Derby conversation is Le Zonda, who carries 129lb and currently holds a rating of 75 as he searches for a first victory in Hong Kong.
Hayes Planning Next Move for Ka Ying Rising
While attention turns to Derby hopefuls, Hayes is also preparing to unleash star sprinter Ka Ying Rising in the G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on 6 April.
The world-class speedster is chasing a remarkable 19th consecutive victory.
“He did some striding work with Zac this morning,” Hayes said. “Zac was very happy with him and he ran home in around 12 and a half seconds. He’ll have a barrier trial around 10 days out from the sixth of April.”
After the Sprint Cup, Ka Ying Rising is scheduled to contest the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (G1, 1200m) before concluding his season.
Orman and Teetan Confident of Strong Runs
Jockey James Orman arrives at the meeting in strong form after riding a double at Sha Tin last weekend. He reunites with last-start winner Somelovefromabove for trainer Caspar Fownes in the Class 4 Breezy Handicap (1200m).
“It was good to get a ride for Caspar Fownes,” Orman said. “Somelovefromabove began well from a good gate, took the lead and never really looked like getting beaten. He seems to have come through the run well, and I’m very excited to be on him again.”
Meanwhile, jockey Karis Teetan remains optimistic about Sagacious Life, who endured a troubled passage when finishing last in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m).
“He’s a nice horse going into the Derby and the distance should be no problem,” Teetan said. “He had a bit of hard luck last time when he was crowded and checked badly. I think we can excuse that run.”
Teetan also partners Vivacious Win in the Class 4 Hatton Handicap (1650m) for trainer David Eustace, with the rider expecting further improvement from the progressive galloper.
“I think the horse has shown a lot of improvement, and I think there’s more to come,” Teetan said. “Let’s hope he gets a bit of luck from the draw this time.”
Elsewhere on the card, Harry Bentley believes Prestige Always can make his presence felt in the Class 3 Craigengower Cricket Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1200m).
“He’s been knocking on the door and has run some good races,” Bentley said. “The draw should help him settle into a midfield position.”
Wednesday’s nine-race programme at Happy Valley begins with the Class 5 Conduit Handicap (1000m) at 6:40pm.
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