The BMW Hong Kong Derby picture continues to take shape as trainer Me Tsui nurtures hopes that consistent galloper Pope Cody can earn a place in the city’s most prestigious contest later this month.
In the 12th instalment of The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Road to the Derby series, attention turns to the four-year-old who could provide Tsui with his first runner in the BMW Hong Kong Derby since Wah May Star lined up in 2013. With the 149th running of the 2000-metre classic scheduled for 22 March, the veteran trainer is quietly optimistic that Pope Cody might secure a spot in the elite field.
“It’s been more than 10 years so it’s exciting for me,” Tsui said. “He has a Derby entry and we will see if he makes it in or not.”
Pope Cody entered this year’s Four-Year-Old Classic Series at the second leg, the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on March 1. Against a high-quality field, the son of Showtime produced a creditable performance, finishing sixth and only three and a quarter lengths behind the impressive winner Stormy Grove.
Pope Cody strengthens BMW Hong Kong Derby credentials
Despite entering the Classic Cup as one of the lowest-rated runners on a mark of 76, Pope Cody showed he belonged among the division’s better four-year-olds. With several rivals also jostling for a position in the Derby line-up, his prospects of gaining entry appear reasonable if ratings fall in his favour.
Bred in Queensland, Australia, the gelding began his career with five starts across different tracks in the state, winning three of them before catching the eye of Hong Kong owner Cheng Chak Yin.
Since arriving in Hong Kong, Pope Cody has not been the most prolific winner, saluting once from 15 appearances, but his reliability has been notable. He has finished outside the first six only three times while accumulating HK$4.35 million in prize money.
His most significant local success came in September last year when he captured a Class 3 contest over 1600 metres, earning a Private Purchase Bonus of HK$1.5 million in the process.
Although his victory and two placings this season have come at a mile, Pope Cody has already shown his stamina credentials with three solid performances over 1800 metres.
“I think he will handle the 2000m no worries and if he gets into the Derby, I think he’s a chance,” Tsui said. “He ran well in the Classic Cup and he always performs consistently. He maintains his form.”
Familiar partnership set to continue
A key part of Pope Cody’s journey has been his partnership with Queensland-born jockey James Orman, who has ridden the horse in all 15 of his Hong Kong starts as well as three times during his Australian career.
Tsui will be hoping the connection proves valuable again should Pope Cody secure a berth in the BMW Hong Kong Derby, a race that remains the pinnacle for Hong Kong’s four-year-olds.
Meanwhile, stablemate Natural Numbers failed to press his own Derby claims at Sha Tin on Sunday, finishing 11th in a race taken by fellow four-year-old Endued.
Endued, despite the victory, rose only to a rating of 72 and still appears unlikely to make the Derby field, while Fortune Boy moved to a mark of 73 after finishing fourth from outside the handicap in Sunday’s Class 2 1800m event.
Another notable weekend performer was Winning Ovation, whose success lifted his rating to 82, although he did not hold a Derby nomination at the second stage of entries. The third stage of entries closed on Monday.
Looking ahead, several emerging contenders could still enhance their prospects. Le Zonda, Enthusium and China Win are among those who may force their way into the conversation with strong performances in Wednesday night’s Class 3 Lyttelton Handicap (1800m) at Happy Valley.
For Tsui, however, the focus remains firmly on Pope Cody and the possibility that the dependable galloper could carry his colours in the BMW Hong Kong Derby, ending a decade-long wait for another shot at the celebrated classic.
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