The Hong Kong Classic Cup takes centre stage at Sha Tin on Sunday (1 March), and Luke Ferraris believes Dazzling Fit can measure up in elite company despite lining up as one of the lowest-rated runners in the HK$13 million contest over 1800 metres.
Trained by David Eustace, the improving gelding earned his place in the prestigious Four-Year-Old Classic Series feature with a determined third in a Class 3 event earlier this month. On that occasion, under Zac Purton, Dazzling Fit finished just half a length behind Flow Water Flow, conceding 11 pounds to the progressive rival. The effort lifted his rating to 76 — sufficient to secure a coveted berth in Sunday’s field.
Ferraris, who reunites with the New Zealand-bred, sees reason for quiet optimism.
“He’s a nice horse and his lead-up has been pretty good,” Ferraris said during the week. “He’s just going to need a race run to suit. He’s obviously still maturing and not the final product yet, but he’s given every sort of sign that he’s going to be a nice horse.”
Hong Kong Classic Cup reunion for proven partnership
The South African rider enjoyed a productive association with Dazzling Fit last season, steering him to two wins, a second and a third from only five appearances. Their partnership has not been seen in competition since October, but Ferraris is pleased to be back aboard as the Classic series intensifies.
Earlier in the campaign, Ferraris partnered Akashvani in the Hong Kong Classic Mile, finishing eighth, but he now switches from David Hayes’ charge to renew ties with the Eustace-trained contender.
One of Dazzling Fit’s standout performances came in November, when he edged out Tony Cruz’s Beauty Bolt by a short head over 1600 metres. Beauty Bolt, subsequently third in the Hong Kong Classic Mile, adds depth to the collateral form heading into Sunday’s assignment.
“He’s pretty easy to ride,” Ferraris said. “He can get fired up a little bit, but he’s got a great action and a relatively good temperament. So he’s not hard to work with.”
While much of Dazzling Fit’s strongest form has come between 1400 and 1600 metres, Ferraris is confident the extra furlong will suit.
“I think he’ll appreciate the 1800. If there can be a little bit of pace on just to help him get into a rhythm and settle, he’s got a big action on him and you want to see him use it. If he can get those things to suit, then hopefully he’s in with a shout.”
Sunday’s 11-race programme at Sha Tin begins at 12.30pm, with the Hong Kong Classic Cup scheduled for 4.45pm. The meeting also features the G1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) at 3.35pm, ensuring a compelling afternoon as the Four-Year-Old Classic Series builds toward its grand finale later this month.
The series concludes with the 149th Hong Kong Derby over 2000 metres at Sha Tin on 22 March — the ultimate target for many of Sunday’s contenders and a race that will further shape the legacy of this talented generation.
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