Written by Alan Carasso

In this continuing 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.

R3-Tai Long Tsui H. (C4), HK$967K (AU$178K), 1200m

Fortune Brilliant (NZ)

(g, 4, Pins x Mon Beau Cheval {NZ}, by Montjeu {Ire})

By the sire of Hong Kong legends Aerovelocity (NZ) and Ambitious Dragon (NZ), Fortune Brilliant cost NZ$90,000 as a Karaka yearling in 2017 and is out of a daughter of Prized Gem (NZ) (Prized {USA}), winner of the G1 Kelt Capital S. at home and of the G1 Brisbane Cup overseas.

Prized Gem’s son Nom du Jeu (NZ) (Montjeu {Ire}) belied a quote of $26 to upset the 2008 G1 Australian Derby and was a Group 3 winner and twice Group 1-placed in New Zealand before siring the likes of the now-retired Hong Kong Derby winner Ping Hai Star (NZ). She also bred New Zealand Group 2 winner Jeu de Cartes (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}).

Breeder: Mrs C A & C C Chamberlain, Mrs H M & M J Moran

Consignor: Windsor Park Stud, agent

Purchaser: Tartan Meadow Bloodstock

Yes We Can

(g, 4, I Am Invincible x Masonette, by Grand Lodge {USA})

A half-brother to Group 2 Autumn S. winner Pied A Terre (Ad Valorem {USA}) and to the dam of Group 2 Sandown Guineas hero Morton’s Fork (Ad Valorem {USA}), Yes We Can fetched $145,000 at the 2017 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale and turned a tidy profit when hammering for NZ$370,000 at the NZB Ready To Run Sale nine months later.

Watch: Yes We Can breezing for the 2017 NZB Ready To Run Sale

The September foal is out of a daughter of treble group winner and G1 Australian Oaks runner-up Shavano Miss (Hand Crafted), dam of Group 3 winner Graceful Encounter (Dr Grace) and the Group 3-placed Gold Class (Flying Spur).

Breeder: Dueran Pastoral Co (Vic)

Consignor: Supreme Thoroughbreds, agent (INGFEB); Riversley Park, agent (NZBRTR)

Purchaser: Riversley Park/Enigman Farm (INGFEB); ABC Bloodstock (NZBRTR)