14 young elites to run for glory in Hong Kong Derby
HKJC Press Release
03-Mar-2010 |
Fourteen quality runners will contest one of the most competitive Derbys in recent years, according to the line-up for the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby 2010 (HK Gr.1, 2000m) unveiled at Sha Tin Racecourse today.
Being the most prestigious domestic event in Hong Kong's racing calendar and the world's second richest Derby with a total purse of HK$16 million, this year's Derby renewal on 14 March will be run over the distance of 2000m.
"It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one of the 4-year-old Hong Kong horses to earn recognition as a Derby champion. It is the Run for Glory, not only for the horse, but also its Owner, Trainer and Jockey," said Mr William A Nader, Executive Director of Racing of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
"What makes it more special is that this year's Derby is one of the most competitive ever. Beauty Flash showed his dazzling speed in winning the Classic Mile, King Dancer lived up to his promise when winning the Derby Trial and two horses come in to the big race undefeated -- Brave Kid and Fair Trade ¡V with the chance to emulate the historic feat of River Verdon in becoming the first unbeaten Derby winner in 20 years.
"We are delighted once again to welcome the staunch support of Mercedes-Benz, a classic name among the premier automobile brands, for our 4-year-old series. This series features a total of $27 million in prize money and serves as the cornerstone of springtime racing in Hong Kong."
Tony Cruz, who is seeking a seventh Hong Kong Derby victory and his third as a trainer, will saddle top-rated runner Beauty Flash, winner of the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Classic Mile in January, and Super Pistachio, formerly a Group 2 winner in England. He will also be represented by Straight Forward.
Still striving for his maiden Derby success, champion trainer Caspar Fownes has four representatives led by the unbeaten Australian import Fair Trade, the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby Trial runner-up Super Satin, as well as Beauty Legend and Grand Dragon.
Brave Kid, who is bidding to become the first Hong Kong racehorse to win seven races within a season, will be joining MBHK Classic Mile placegetter Tuscan Spirit as the key contenders from the John Size stable. The five-time champion trainer will also be represented by Appreciation.
John Moore, who saddled Collection to win last year's Derby, will place his Derby hopes on German 2000 Guineas winner Irian and Little Dreams, another up-and-coming import from France.
King Dancer, who won the HK Group 2 Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby Trial last month, will carry trainer Sean Woods' hopes for his first Group One victory in Hong Kong. Jolly Good is the other entry from the Woods' team. |
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