Douglas Whyte hopes Flaming Rabbit can ascend to Group company next season after the classy import eclipsed a talent-laden field to win the Class 2 Kau Sai Chau Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Monday night (3 July).
Earning a HK$2 million PP Bonus by posting his first Hong Kong win after three minor placings, Flaming Rabbit delivered on the ability he had displayed in three wins in Europe for German trainer Peter Schiergen with a tough front-running performance under Lyle Hewitson.
Showing tremendous grit, the Time Test four-year-old had a length-and-a-quarter on the line from Find My Love with Sauvestre, a further length away in third placing, while three-year-old Howdeepisyourlove was an eye-catching fourth after storming from the rear of the field on the turn.
“He’s a lovely horse, he’s probably been a bit unlucky in some circumstances, but he also creates in his own luck with his gate speed and tonight was probably the telling of him. There was a lot of pressure early and he was still very strong at the end,” Whyte said of Flaming Rabbit.
“That shows he’s certainly getting better, mentally stronger and adapting to Hong Kong’s style of racing. He got here late in his four-year-old season and he’s adapted very quickly and accepted everything I’ve asked of him.
“He looks like he’ll be a miler – probably get to 10 furlongs (2000m) here at Sha Tin with his racing style – he’s just a lovely horse to look forward to next season.”
Zac Purton, who remains on target to topple Joao Moreira’s single-season record of 170 wins, finished the meeting with a treble and 166 victories so far and took special delight from Michael Chang’s win with Lady’s Choice in the Class 4 Tiu Chung Chau Handicap (1200m) – a victory which provided Chang with his 19th victory of the campaign and satisfied the trainers’ performance criteria.
“It’s good for Michael, obviously he’s fighting for his career and his livelihood and it’s never a good position to be in,” Purton said. “The fact he’s been able to get this horse to win two in a row at the back of the season is a good job – and for some loyal owners as well.
“It’s a feel good story all-round.”
Greeted enthusiastically post-race by a group of supporters after saddling his 14th winner in Class 4 or above, 61-year-old Chang said he was “really touched” by the reception.
“Very appreciative of all the public and the owners. They support me. They spoil me. Very touching. Very happy,” Chang said. “I never question myself. I always thought I could make it.”
Chang hopes Lady’s Choice can make further headway in 2023/24 after securing his second win.
“He’s a little bit better than Class 4. He’s only three years old, and he’s by Charm Spirit, so I think the ground helped him. When he rises to four, I expect he’ll make a big improvement.”
Purton’s second win of the meeting came after Simple Hedge overcame a sluggish start to easily clinch the second section of the Class 4 Ninepin Group Handicap (1400m) for 11-time Hong Kong champion trainer John Size, who holds a nine-win advantage over nearest rival Frankie Lor in the battle for this season’s title.
Purton’s strength and poise were decisive in Danny Shum-trained Helene Feeling’s triumph in the Kat O Handicap (1600m). A three-year-old by Sioux Nation, Helene Feeling will be set for the 2024 Four-Year-Old Classic Series.
“He’s still only young but he’s a nice horse,” Shum said. “He carried 134lb tonight and won against older horses – it’s not easy. I’ll put him away now and hopefully he can win one or two races next season to get into the (BMW Hong Kong) Derby.”
Vincent Ho extended a fabulous campaign with success aboard Francis Lui-trained All Is Good in the first section of the Class 4 Ninepin Group Handicap (1400m). With four meetings left, Ho has 92 wins so far as he bids to reach a century of victories in a season.
Winwin Thirtythree posted his second win over the course and distance this season for Ricky Yiu in the Class 5 Waglan Island Handicap (1400m) under Hugh Bowman. Restrained to the rear of the field, the seven-year-old gelding steamed down the outside of the field to slot his fourth victory in Hong Kong.
Day Day Rich, a six-year-old gelding broke through for his first Hong Kong success at his 30th start for Benno Yung, snared the Class 5 Tung Lung Chau Handicap (1200m) for Karis Teetan. Imported on a rating of 70 in 2019, the Love Conquers All gelding had been placed five times before tonight’s breakthrough.
Matthew Poon’s initiative allowed Tony Cruz’s Super Fortune to bounce back to form with success in the Class 3 Grass Island Handicap (1200m). Unplaced in his previous three starts after an otherwise consistent campaign, Super Fortune was taken to the front by Poon and never headed for his fourth win at Sha Tin.
Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Thursday night (6 July).
By Leo Schlink, HKJC
