David Hayes eyes Akashvani as a key contender in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) this Sunday at Sha Tin, hoping the rising four-year-old can make a decisive impression in the second leg of the prestigious Four-Year-Old Classic Series. With the 149th HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby looming on 22 March, Hayes is also keeping an eye on a couple of other promising gallopers in his stable.
Hayes has three entries for the Hong Kong Classic Cup, but 82-rated Akashvani is the standout likely to make the field, with stablemates Fortune Boy and Shamus Storm missing out. The colt, by Alpine Eagle, brings a blend of consistency and untapped potential, having already recorded three wins from 13 starts, including victories at both Sha Tin and Happy Valley.
Journey to the Classic Cup
Unsold at the 2023 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale after failing to meet his AU$20,000 reserve, Akashvani eventually came under the guidance of Ben, Will, and JD Hayes in Victoria, Australia, before joining his father David Hayes’ Hong Kong operation following a sale to Prem Fathechand Melwani.
Since his Hong Kong debut victory over 1200m at Sha Tin last March, Akashvani has shown steady improvement. After a brief dry spell, he returned to the winners’ circle over six furlongs at Happy Valley in October, then captured a 1400m race last month. He contested the first leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on 1 February, finishing a solid eighth in a strong field behind Little Paradise.
“He’s got to be tested at the distance but being by Alpine Eagle suggests he will get the trip,” Hayes said. “He’s in good shape and going well. Whether he can win, I’m not sure — it’s going to be hard to beat Little Paradise.”
Derby Dreams Beyond the Classic Cup
While Akashvani comfortably makes the Classic Cup field, Hayes is also managing the Derby prospects of Fortune Boy, Shamus Storm, and China Win. Fortune Boy, who finished fourth over 2000m at Sha Tin last Thursday, is viewed as more of a Derby horse than a Classic Cup runner. China Win, sidelined briefly due to an irregular heart rhythm, has twice won over 1800m and remains on track for the prestigious HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby.
“China Win got scratched due to a heart fibrillation, but he was fine two hours later,” Hayes explained. “It’s all about qualifying now. He’s very capable. Shamus Storm also has Derby hopes if he can win his next start.” Hayes also confirmed that Public Attention, who ran tenth in the Hong Kong Classic Mile, has been gelded and will now focus on middle-distance sprinting. Akashvani’s run in the Hong Kong Classic Cup will be closely watched as he attempts to translate his form into a strong performance at 1800m, keeping the door open for a tilt at Hong Kong’s most prestigious race later in March.
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