Hong Kong, China’s Sing Dragon endured a testing overseas debut when Sing Dragon struggled in the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal (1200m) at Meydan on Super Saturday, finishing well back on the demanding Dubai dirt.
Drawn in gate one, the Hong Kong-trained sprinter began sharply under Karis Teetan and rolled to the lead through the early stages, intent on making full use of his customary pace. For the first half of the contest, Sing Dragon travelled with purpose, setting a genuine tempo against seasoned dirt specialists.
However, as the field straightened, the surface began to tell. The early fluency gave way to a gradual weakening, and by the closing stages Sing Dragon was unable to match the sustained finishing bursts of his rivals. He eventually crossed the line eighth, 13 lengths adrift of the winner El Nasseeb, who stopped the clock at 1m 11.31s. Dark Saffron filled second, with Mufasa in third.
Trainer Chris So was measured in his post-race assessment, pointing squarely at the surface as the decisive factor.
“I would not say it was disappointing but unfortunately the horse was not good enough for the surface,” So said.
“Karis said that after 500 metres he felt the horse was not comfortable on the surface. Sing Dragon always goes forward and I think the tactics were right.
“I don’t think it was a problem with the horse or the jockey. It was just the surface, which we all knew was not going to be easy. The Hong Kong dirt surface is faster, and Dubai is quite deep and loose. Unfortunately, we found out the hard way.”
Sing Dragon finds Meydan test too demanding
The G3 Mahab Al Shimaal marked a series of firsts. It was Sing Dragon’s initial outing for So and his first start outside Hong Kong since joining the trainer’s yard. It was also Teetan’s first competitive ride in Dubai, while So was saddling his third runner in the city as he searches for a breakthrough placing, having previously come up short with Fabulous One and Classic Emperor.
Sing Dragon’s versatility in Hong Kong has been evident this season. He has tackled every available surface, recording a victory over the extended Sha Tin dirt mile, finishing second over 1200 metres on dirt, running seventh over 1650 metres at Happy Valley and tenth in a Sha Tin turf sprint. Yet the Meydan dirt presented a markedly different challenge.
The deeper, looser composition of the track proved a stern examination for a horse accustomed to the sharper dirt profile at Sha Tin. Though his early speed carried him into contention, the sustained kick required in the closing stages eluded him.
Sing Dragon will now return home, where connections will regroup and map out the remainder of his campaign. With valuable experience gained on an international stage, the focus shifts back to familiar ground as he seeks to rediscover his best form in Hong Kong company.
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