JOHANNES BRAHMS, the former Aidan O’Brien-trained galloper, strengthened his claims for the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) with a hard-fought victory in the Heung Yee Kuk Cup Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
The former Irish runner, now trained by Pierre Ng and ridden by Andrea Atzeni, secured a narrow win over SPEED DRAGON, stopping the clock at 1m 33.59s and collecting a HK$1.5 million Top-Up Bonus in the process. Ng was pleased with the performance, noting that the plan had been to test JOHANNES BRAHMS at this level and prepare him for the upcoming Classic Cup. A step up in distance awaits, and the trainer suggested a more restrained approach in future races to maximize the colt’s potential over 1800m and beyond.
Atzeni echoed the sentiment, believing that the four-year-old’s strong European form makes him a serious contender for the Classic Cup and potentially the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) next month. Despite a wide draw, he was ridden patiently, hinting at greater stamina reserves to be unlocked with a similar strategy.
SKY HEART, another hopeful for the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, made his case with a determined win in the Class 3 Rose Handicap (1600m) under Hugh Bowman. Trainer Caspar Fownes expressed confidence in the progressive gelding, suggesting that his ability to finish strongly bodes well for longer trips in upcoming assignments.
Francis Lui’s STEPS AHEAD also put forward his Derby credentials with a late surge to claim the Class 3 Marigold Handicap (1800m). Atzeni was once again in the saddle, guiding the WRITTEN BY gelding to a narrow victory. Lui remains hopeful that his charge will make the cut for the Classic Cup, acknowledging that his current rating may pose a challenge.
The afternoon’s racing also saw British riders Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand register their first wins at Sha Tin during their Hong Kong stint. Doyle produced a well-timed ride aboard BILLIONAIRE SECRET for Jimmy Ting in the Class 4 Lotus Handicap (1800m), while Marquand combined with Lui to score aboard INVINCIBLE SHIELD in the Class 3 Primula Handicap (1200m).
Frankie Lor’s HORSEPOWER maintained his unbeaten record with an eye-catching performance in the Class 3 Osmanthus Handicap (1000m). Owned by The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Chairman Michael Lee and his family, the gelding showed a sharp turn of foot under Matthew Chadwick to remain perfect in two Hong Kong starts.
Elsewhere on the card, MAGNIFIQUE and MAGNIFICENT NINE both extended their unbeaten streaks with victories in their respective Class 4 assignments, while MASTER OF ALL continued his strong season with another win over 1400m. GALLANT CROWN ended a lengthy drought with success in the Class 5 Camellia Handicap (1600m), and KA YING WARRIOR gave Matthew Poon his 25th win of the season in the Class 4 Daisy Handicap (1200m).
Hong Kong racing action continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday, where another competitive card is set to unfold.
