Colourful King National Day Cup success at Sha Tin saw David Eustace’s five-year-old gelding secure a convincing victory in the HK$4.2 million G3 National Day Cup Handicap over 1000 metres on Thursday, October 1. The win gave Colourful King back-to-back victories down the Sha Tin 1000-metre straight course and provided Eustace with his second Group 3 success in Hong Kong.
Ridden by Zac Purton, Colourful King carried 123lb and settled behind early leader Magic Control, who carried 115lb. The gelding travelled comfortably through the early stages before moving closer with 300 metres remaining.
Purton waited until the final 100 metres before asking Colourful King for a stronger effort. The five-year-old responded immediately and moved a length clear of Magic Control to secure the feature race. Magic Control finished second, while Bottomuptogether, carrying 120lb, took third.
The result marked the fifth Hong Kong victory for Colourful King and further underlined his effectiveness over the 1000-metre straight course. He had also finished ahead of Magic Control when the pair last met in June.
Purton was pleased with the way the race unfolded for Colourful King. The jockey had positioned the gelding behind the leader before producing his challenge in the closing stages.
Eustace was also encouraged by the way Colourful King responded when Magic Control continued to fight during the final stages. The trainer had previously indicated that the gelding needed to make an impression in Hong Kong before an overseas campaign could be considered.
The trainer also pointed out that Colourful King had limited opportunities over 1000 metres, making it important for the horse to perform when suitable races became available. The gelding’s determination in the closing stages provided further encouragement.
Bigger Prizes Beckon After Colourful King National Day Cup Triumph
The Colourful King National Day Cup victory kept the gelding on course for stronger assignments later in the season. Eustace indicated that the five-year-old was likely to step up to 1200 metres for the G2 Premier Bowl Handicap on October 25.
The trainer also identified the G3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap over 1000 metres in January as another possible target. The planned races would give Eustace opportunities to assess the gelding against stronger opposition while keeping him to distances suited to his ability.
Eustace also remained open to taking Colourful King overseas later in the Hong Kong season. He said an international campaign would require careful planning well in advance and that the horse would be prepared accordingly if a suitable opportunity emerged.
Elsewhere at Sha Tin, David Hall produced a three-winner performance. Cirrus Speed, ridden by Matthew Poon and carrying 129lb, secured his first Hong Kong victory when he made all in the Class 5 Nanning Handicap over 1200 metres.
Hall then added another winner when Solid Car, carrying 125lb and ridden by Matthew Poon, produced a strong finishing effort in the Class 4 Chengdu Handicap over 1400 metres. The victory also continued James Orman’s strong early-season form in Hong Kong.
The highlight of Hall’s treble came when Ka Ying Lightning won the Class 4 Hangzhou Handicap over 1000 metres. The 133lb runner was partnered by Andrea Atzeni and remained unbeaten after two career starts.
Hall was encouraged by the progress Ka Ying Lightning had made in his behaviour and preparation. The trainer also noted the horse’s improved performance from the barriers and his suitability for firm ground.
Sky Jewellery returned to winning form for trainer John Size in the Class 2 Beijing Handicap over 1400 metres. The five-year-old carried 134lb and was ridden by James Orman.
Sky Jewellery faced a strong challenge from Francis Lui-trained Hot Delight, ridden by Vincent Ho, during the final 100 metres. Orman’s mount responded well and narrowly secured victory to record his sixth win from nine starts, while also completing a riding double for the Australian jockey.
Size registered his second winner of the season and remained pleased with Sky Jewellery’s continued progress. The trainer also felt the five-year-old had scope to improve further with additional fitness.
Brett Crawford registered his first winner of the season when All Are Mine, ridden by Alexis Badel, won the Class 5 Shenyang Handicap over 1600 metres.
Pierre Ng continued his strong early-season form when Nichola Yuen partnered Aerovolanic to victory in the Class 3 Tianjin Handicap over 1400 metres. The result marked the horse’s fourth success from 18 starts.
Cody Mo also reached eight winners for the season after Super Goldendragon won the Class 4 Jinan Handicap over 1800 metres under Derek Leung. The Hong Kong International Sale graduate recorded his third victory from his last five starts.
Mo and Leung later combined again when Absolute Heart won the Class 3 Shanghai Handicap over 1200 metres.
Manfred Man recorded the day’s longest-priced winner when E Ho Ho, ridden by Harry Bentley, won the first section of the Class 4 Chongqing Handicap over 1200 metres. Keith Yeung opened his account for the season when he partnered Chris So-trained Cavamazing to victory in the second section of the same race.
Hong Kong racing continued at Sha Tin on Sunday, October 4, following a card that produced several notable performances and further highlighted Colourful King’s growing record over the straight 1000-metre course.
Colourful King secured the G3 National Day Cup Handicap at Sha Tin over 1000 metres, giving David Eustace another Group 3 success and keeping the five-year-old in line for stronger targets later in the season.
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