Divine Ten is one of Hong Kong’s exciting prospects and the talented sprinter could make his seasonal bow in the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1200m) on Sunday, 14 September, the opening day of the 2014/2015 season.
Me Tsui’s charge won five of seven races during his debut campaign last term, including the 1000m HKG3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy (Handicap) on his penultimate start. The Holy Roman Emperor five-year-old was last seen in late May running a narrow second to Aerovelocity in the HKG3 Sha Tin Vase (Handicap) over the course and distance.
With those upcoming engagements in mind, this morning (2 September) Divine Ten stretched his legs under Douglas Whyte in a 1200m Barrier Trial on the Sha Tin All-Weather track. The Wong Kwong Miu-owned gelding led the field of seven and drew clear mid-way down the stretch before easing through the final stages to pass the winning post just ahead of closing pursuers.
“We will see how he is after that trial,” said Tsui of the 111-rated roan. “If all is good I would like to run him at the season opener. Another option could be the National Day Cup but 1000m is a bit short now - 1200m or 1400m will be better.”
Whyte was satisfied with the gelding’s effort, 12 days out from his proposed first start of what connections will be hoping turns into another successful campaign.
“He went well enough this morning,” said the South African. “He felt a little bit heavier, he feels stronger than last season and he’s a more furnished type now.”
Smart Volatility and Golden Harvest could also line-up in the HKSAR CE’s Cup, and that pair took their places in the season’s first turf trial this morning. The former, a six-time winner from 11 starts, travelled well enough in the 800m affair under Howard Cheng and was just nudged out to cross the line in fourth position of 13. Just behind, Golden Harvest was not asked too many questions as he moved comfortably down the stands’ rail under Joao Moreira.
The Danny Shum-trained Gorgeous Debut was an eye-catching “winner” of the morning’s second 800m turf trial.
The Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup is the feature race at Sha Tin on the first day of the 2014/2015 Hong Kong racing season.
