Chris So will have his first HKG1 BMW Hong Kong Derby runner on Sunday, 15 March, when Redkirk Warrior goes to post for the 2000m blue riband contest, the final leg of the Hong Kong Four-Year-Old Series.
The Notnowcato gelding heads into the HK$18 million event off the back of a career best effort, but one that left connections frustrated. Redkirk Warrior seemed to have last month’s HKG1 Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) in the bag only to wander around in the lead. That immature waywardness enabled the re-opposing Thunder Fantasy to rally and mug the British import at the wire.
“That was only the fifth start in his life and only his third in Hong Kong,” said So, who was assistant trainer to Caspar Fownes before the Hong Kong Jockey Club licenced him as a trainer at the start of the 2013/14 season. “Every race, we can tell, he has improved. Last time he got beat but the problem was he shifted out and then shifted in and he was beaten by a nose. Joao (Moreira) is a very good jockey, so he knows how to deal with that.”
So is buoyant with the Derby only five days away. Redkirk Warrior has thrived since his last start and pleased his handler with a recent 1200m gallop under Moreira in which he clocked 1m 19.3s (28.0, 28.1, 23.2).
“Everything is going smoothly and I’m happy with the horse,” said So. “Joao galloped him on Sunday morning; he gave him a really good blow. He came back, he ate well and he looks good. I think he should improve on his run last time.”
One concern for the trainer is a possible lack of tempo in this year’s Derby. Redkirk Warrior came to Hong Kong with a two from two record - both at 2000m. But the Jenny Tam Yuk-ching-owned contender has also exhibited his share of speed at Sha Tin and notched his one win from three starts at the track in a Class 2 at a mile.
“A slow pace is a concern but we will have to see which gate we draw and then we can decide what to do. Every trainer will be thinking about the pace and over 2000m here we need a good draw, for sure,” said So.
The field of 14 is set to feature the winners of the first two legs of the Hong Kong Four-Year-old Series, with Tony Cruz’s HKG1 Hong Kong Classic Mile victor Beauty Only due to line up along with Thunder Fantasy.
The latter is one of three big hopes for trainer John Size who will also look to the last start winners Luger - the highest-rated horse in the race - and Contentment.
Trainer Richard Gibson and owner Pan Sutong teamed up to win the Derby with Akeed Mofeed in 2013 and they are aiming to repeat that success, with Giant Treasure and Obliterator set to take their chances. Gibson also has the talented French import, Got Fly.
It is 10 years since the brilliant Vengeance Of Rain won the Derby for trainer David Ferraris and he is hoping Dynamism can give him a second success. The New Approach gelding has improved with each of his three starts in Hong Kong and landed a Class 2 at the course and distance last time.
John Moore saddled the one-two last year, with Designs On Rome defeating Able Friend in an epic. This time his sole representative is Helene Happy Star who is seeking a first Hong Kong victory.
The Benno Yung-trained Romantic Touch, Golden Sleep from the Tony Millard stable, the Cruz-trained Anticipation, and the Caspar Fownes-trained Gun Pit complete the 14 entries.
The barrier draw for the 2015 BMW Hong Kong Derby will take place at Sha Tin on Thursday 12 March.
