Bundle Award made a strong case for a future at the elite level by capturing the Group 3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap at Sha Tin in a thrilling finish. Under the skilled guidance of Zac Purton and the training expertise of John Size, the four-year-old gelding showcased his stamina and late kick to seize victory in the HK$4.2 million contest over 2400 metres.
Previously successful at shorter distances, Bundle Award proved he could handle the step up in trip with determination and class. From the rear of a compact six-horse field, he launched a decisive challenge in the final stretch, covering the last 400 metres in a rapid 21.67 seconds. His surge was enough to nose out a tenacious Noisy Boy, while Winning Dragon claimed third, staying close throughout the fight to the finish.
This performance marks a notable milestone in Bundle Award’s Hong Kong campaign. Formerly known as Prince Prawn in Australia, where he notched three wins, he has steadily adapted to local racing under Size’s care. With his latest effort, there’s now speculation that he may be aimed at the prestigious Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup later this month, although his current rating might pose a barrier to entry. Size acknowledged that while the rating could be an obstacle, the gelding’s development and adaptability give him room to consider ambitious options ahead.
Despite the narrow margin, the win felt almost assured as soon as Bundle Award began to unwind his run at the home turn. Purton’s confidence in the horse’s turn of foot was evident, even though he encountered a scare at the start when his foot was momentarily dislodged from the stirrup. Nonetheless, the race developed in a manner that favored his mount’s strengths, turning into a sprint in which Bundle Award’s acceleration stood out.
Interestingly, Bundle Award becomes the first graduate of this season’s Hong Kong Derby to clinch a Group race win. He had finished seventh in the Derby in March but has evidently continued progressing since then.
Elsewhere on the Sha Tin card, Tony Cruz reached a landmark figure in Hong Kong racing with his 2,500th combined win as jockey and trainer. He achieved this thanks to victories by Liveandletlive and Winning Ovation, both of whom also secured lucrative PP Bonuses in their respective Class 3 races. Cruz’s dual success further underlines his enduring influence in the sport.
Hong Lok Golf continued his impressive rise by securing a fifth win from six starts in the Class 2 Hillwood Handicap. The Chris So-trained runner, partnered by Harry Bentley, managed to stave off a strong challenge in the final stages. With this latest performance, his connections are now contemplating a step up in class, with the Lion Rock Trophy later this month potentially on the horizon.
The meeting also featured a number of promising performances from emerging talent. David Hayes and Brenton Avdulla teamed up successfully with Fortune Boy in the Class 4 Kowloon Cricket Club Centenary Cup, while Size and Purton scored again with the quirky but talented Crossborderpegasus in the Class 3 sprint.
Britney Wong ended a winless streak stretching back to March with a confident front-running ride aboard Circuit Victory in the Class 5 Jordan Handicap, earning praise for her tactical nous. Meanwhile, Lucky Symphony finally broke through after several near-misses with a sharp effort under Andrea Atzeni in the Class 4 Hung Hom Handicap.
Other notable winners included Quick Money for Dennis Yip in the Griffin ranks, Ka Ying Superb under Matthew Poon in the second division of the Cox’s Handicap, and Dazzling Fit, who impressed again for trainer David Eustace and jockey Luke Ferraris.
Racing action now shifts to Happy Valley, where the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, promising more excitement as the season progresses.
