Written by Alan Carasso
In this new series, we take a look at Australasian-bred horses down to make their initial starts in Hong Kong horses either unraced (PPG - privately purchased griffins), or previously raced in Australia and New Zealand (PP - private purchases) in addition to progressive horses returning from a spell.
The horses listed below have been selected based on notable pedigrees, sales history and/or previous racetrack performances. Saturday afternoon’s program at Sha Tin features the local debuts of a pair of Snitzel's and a mouthwatering Class 2 handicap that has attracted the resuming 92-rated galloper Voyage Warrior (Declaration of War {USA})
R2-Hoi Pa Hcp. (C4), HK$967,000 (AU$182,000), 1000 m etres
Mighty Valor
(g, 3, Snitzel x Ain’Tnofallenstar, by Starcraft {NZ})
Mighty Valor as a yearling
This October foal is the third to make the races from Ain’Tnofallenstar, a two-time stakes winner at Morphettville and a daughter of multiple stakeswinner & G1 Underwood S. third Ain’t Seen Nothin’ (Nothin’ Leica Dane). The latter is the dam of Singapore Horse of the Year and 10-times black-type winner Stepitup (Hussonet {USA}), Bachman (All American) and Star Pupil (Starcraft {NZ}), dam of stakes winner Stronger (Not A Single Doubt). Trainer Ricky Yiu signed the winning ticket at $325,000 at the 2018 Inglis Melbourne Premiere Sale.
R5-Yan Chai Trophy (Hcp.) (C4), HK$967,000 (AU$182,000), 1400m
Dynasta
(g, 4, Redoute’s Choice x Silver Blossom {Ire}), by Galileo {Ire})
Dynasta as a yearling
A $250,000 purchase out of the 2017 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, Dynasta was produced by a three quarter sister to English Group 2 winner Silk Blossom (Ire) (Barathea {Ire}) and her French multiple stakeswinner and Group 1 placed full-sister Mashoora (Ire). Dynasta, bred on the same cross responsible for five-times Group 1 winner The Autumn Sun, was a sound fourth in a September 10 barrier trial over the all-weather track. Blake Shinn rides for John Size.
R9-Wo Tik Hcp. (C2), HK2.1m (AU$396,000), 1000m
Voyage Warrior
(g, 4, Declaration of War {USA} x Chaleur {NZ}, by Stravinsky {USA})
Voyage Warrior
Sent off no higher than the $1.50 favourite in his four trips to the post last season, all over the straight 1000 metre--Voyage Warrior overcame wide barriers to win his first two outings by daylight, then suffered the first loss of his career at the hooves of Thanks Forever (Duporth), who re-opposes here, in late May. He led throughout to easily best his C3 rivals on June 23 and goes first-up for 3.5 months on Saturday. Voyage Warrior was the romping 8.5l winner of an all-weather trial on October 4. A NZ$55,000 purchase out of the 2017 NZB Select Sale, Voyage Warrior was knocked down to Yiu for NZ$280,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale later that year.
R10-Yeung Uk Hcp. (C3), HK$1.45m (AU$273,000), 1400m
Home Win
(g, 4, Snitzel x Flidais, by Timber Country {USA})
Home Win as a yearling
A full-brother to G1 Galaxy S. victress Sweet Idea and multiple stakeswinner Showtime and a half to Malaysian stakeswinner Rush (Charge Forward), Home Win is a veteran of 13 starts in Australia for John Sargent. The chestnut graduated at second asking at Newcastle in April 2018, won a 1900 metre Class 2 handicap at Gosford in November and a BM64 handicap over 2000 metres at Kembla Grange April 6. A $240,000 purchase from the Arrowfield draft at the 2017 Easter Yearling Sale, Home Win was an eye-catching third in a September 26 barrier trial over the Sha Tin all-weather. He is trained by Michael Chang and will be ridden by Chad Schofield.
