Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday (19 March) for an action-packed 10-race Derby Day fixture.
Three-time Hong Kong Derby-winning trainer John Size aims to bring that tally to four with four-year-old BEAUTY ETERNAL in this season’s running of the Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for BEAUTY ETERNAL since he made his winning race track debut in October, encountering a couple of speed bumps along the way. On race day, however, he has been all class. BEAUTY ETERNAL should be unbeaten if not for a luckless second-up run when third-place, however, since then, he has won his last three races easily.
This season’s Derby shapes similar to last season’s where ROMANTIC WARRIOR and CALIFORNIA SPANGLE dominated.
Trainer Chris So’s revelation SUPER SUNNY SING is the clear standout to test BEAUTY ETERNAL. The five-time winner from nine was last seen winning the second leg of the Classic Series, the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m). Outside of those two, trainer Caspar Fownes’ pair, GALAXY WITNESS and STRAIGHT ARRON, have what it takes to be in the mix.
Elsewhere, big-race performer CALIFORNIA SPANGLE can add a second Group 1 to his name when he contests Sunday Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m).
CALIFORNIA SPANGLE’S first taste at Group 1 glory came in December when he took down GOLDEN SIXTY in the Hong Kong Mile. Thereafter, GOLDEN SIXTY bounced back when winning the Stewards’ Cup over ROMANTIC WARRIOR and CALIFORNIA SPANGLE, but with those two out of the picture on Sunday, CALIFORNIA SPANGLE has the advantage.
With only a field of five lining up, CALIFORNIA SPANGLE looks the natural leader and will take catching back in trip. Smart four-year-old LUCKY SWEYNESSE won’t be letting CALIFORNIA SPANGLE out of his sights, however, and will be vying to out sprint him late.
