Pierre Ng believes Sagacious Life can take another meaningful step toward Hong Kong’s prized Four-Year-Old Classic Series when the rising chestnut lines up in Sunday’s HK$3.12 million Class 2 Leighton Handicap Sha Tin over 1600 metres.
Already the trainer’s highest-rated prospect, Sagacious Life carries a mark of 130lb into the Sha Tin feature and arrives with quiet momentum following an eye-catching preparation that has Ng confident the horse is ready to progress again.
The Leslie Lui-owned four-year-old is still early in his Hong Kong career, having arrived from Brazil with strong credentials, including a decisive top-level victory at Cidade Jardim. He announced himself locally with a first-up success before enduring an unlucky passage when sixth on 30 November, briefly checked at a vital moment in the straight yet still closing off with purpose.
Ng believes that run was better than it reads.
“He was a bit unlucky last start,” the trainer said. “He didn’t quite get a clear run, but he still ran well and finished off strongly. He’s pulled up very well since.”
Leighton Handicap Sha Tin Provides Key Mile Test
Sunday marks Sagacious Life’s third start over the mile, a distance Ng feels will continue to suit as the gelding builds fitness and experience. Zac Purton, who partners the horse from barrier three, recently trialled him and came away encouraged.
“This weekend will be his third run over a mile,” Ng said. “Zac trialled him last week and he liked the horse. He thinks he’s in good form, so hopefully he can add some more rating points.”
Formerly raced as Navio Fantasma, Sagacious Life won four races in Brazil, highlighted by a commanding G1 Derby Paulista victory over 2400 metres in November 2024. That stamina base, Ng believes, will come into play as the season unfolds.
“He’s a very handy horse,” Ng added. “He can jump and sit just behind the pace, and if they go slow he can be closer. He’s fit and well after the trial.”
Victory or a strong performance in the Leighton Handicap Sha Tin would further cement Sagacious Life’s place in the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, which begins with the Hong Kong Classic Mile on 1 February, followed by the Classic Cup on 1 March and the 149th Hong Kong Derby on 22 March.
“He’ll go to the Classic Mile, the Classic Cup and then the Derby,” Ng confirmed.
Ng’s team will also be represented by seasoned campaigner Victor The Winner in Sunday’s Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap. The seven-year-old has not returned to the winner’s enclosure since his Centenary Sprint Cup success last year but is expected to benefit from the outing.
“He needs to pick up his form a little bit,” Ng said. “He’ll improve after this weekend.”
Another runner of interest is Glaciated, who impressed when breaking through at Sha Tin on 20 December. The Frosted gelding switches back to dirt in the second section of the Tai Mong Tsai Handicap, with Maxime Guyon engaged.
“He runs very well on the dirt,” Ng said. “Hopefully he can win again.”
The Leighton Handicap Sha Tin also features Top Dragon, trained by Chris So, who has enjoyed a productive season. The lightly weighted four-year-old steps up to a mile for the first time under Andrea Atzeni.
“It’s a big test for him stepping up in distance,” So said. “He’s improved a lot this season and should run a good race, but it’s very competitive.”
Sunday’s 11-race Sha Tin programme gets underway at 12.30pm with the Class 5 Tai Lam Handicap over 1400 metres.
Sha Tin racecards 4 January outline an 11-race programme at Sha Tin, highlighted by the Leighton Handicap and key Classic Series lead-ups. For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.