Trainer Pierre Ng is banking on Sagacious Life’s proven stamina to make a decisive impact in the remaining legs of the prestigious Four-Year-Old Classic Series, with Sunday’s HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) at Sha Tin serving as a key stepping stone toward the HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 22 March.
The chestnut, a Group 1 winner over 2400m before arriving in Hong Kong, has shown flashes of brilliance in his early local outings. He struck twice at Class 2 level over 1600m before finishing a hard-fought fourth last month in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), where Little Paradise sprinted clear to win by two lengths after overcoming trouble in the straight.
Ng remains confident that the extra distance will suit Sagacious Life. “He’s fit, healthy, and tracking in the right direction, especially as a stayer. I think he will be really good over further,” Ng said.
He added, “It was a very tough run from the wide draw (13) last start. Once he got cover, he was already travelling around the bend, then he had to roll out and pick up momentum again. Zac Purton did perfectly on him, but he was too rushed and it was his first time drawn outside. He still ran well, but I’m looking forward to the extra 200 metres.”
Sagacious Life had not previously faced a barrier worse than sixth in his first three outings. He trialled over 1200m on Sha Tin’s dirt last Friday (20 February), clocking 1m 10.05s under Purton, who keeps the ride for Sunday’s Classic Cup.
Ng reflected on the preparation: “He had a nice trial the other day. He doesn’t seem too fresh, which is good as he steps up in distance. Zac was happy with his work. To be participating in the Four-Year-Old Classic Series with the owner, we didn’t think of it at first, but now we have a real chance and we’re enjoying it.”
Sunday’s Classic Cup promises a competitive field. Sagacious Life faces a familiar challenge from Little Paradise, Infinite Resolve, and Beauty Bolt in the 11-race Sha Tin programme, which also features the HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), the middle leg of the Triple Crown. Romantic Warrior, Voyage Bubble, My Wish, Ensued, Beauty Joy, and Winning Wing are among the entries for the Gold Cup. With stamina likely to be the deciding factor, Sagacious Life could turn his wide-draw misfortune into a classic triumph.
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