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Another skunky Class Two – think I heard the main Hong Kong Derby hopes giggling? – @HKWinningFactor
Nothing that happened in Sunday’s Mui Wo Handicap (1,800m) would have caused any concern for Golden Sixty, More Than This or Champion’s Way.
The race is unofficially known as the Collection Stakes after John Moore lobbied to have the conditions changed so his rising star could have a lead-up run before the Derby (he then won both of them) and it is the final chance for horses making a late bid for the HK$20 million contest.
Typically, the four-year-olds have a strong record in it. Before Sunday, they had won nine of the 11 renewals since Collection saluted in 2009 with Akeed Mofeed going on to win the Derby, while Waikuku finished second in the big race last year.
This year, three gallopers held hopes of heading to the last leg of the Classic Series – Beauty Legacy, Reliable Team and Winning Delight – but all finished outside the prize money.
2018 G1 South Australian Derby winner Helene Leadingstar (ex Leicester ) breaks through for his first Hong Kong win! #HKracing pic.twitter.com/GHufMkPUDm
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 8, 2020
Beauty Legacy, who jumped a $3.40 favourite, was the most disappointing of the trio, pulling ferociously early, costing himself any chance and dropping out to finish 11th.
“Unfortunately [he fought me], he is just doing things wrong, he hasn’t adapted to the environment,” jockey Joao Moreira said in the aftermath.
“We all know eventually he will be fine, he will put his head down and do his thing, but when? It is a hard call.”
It certainly won’t be the Derby, with trainer John Size withdrawing the gelding on Monday morning.
Joao Moreira and John Size go back to the well to teach Beauty Legacy a Derby lesson
That makes the gulf between the top three and the rest even larger – it is very hard to see the winner coming from outside Golden Sixty, More Than This or Champion’s Way.
They are all rated between 112 and 107 and there is a big drop off to the next best – Decrypt and Enjoying at 95.
The big three filled the trio in both the Classic Mile and Classic Cup and the other challengers all have question marks – be it class or distance.
It is shaping up as an unusual Derby with only the bare minimum of promotion in the build-up to the race.
Donnie Yen (right) presents Ryan Moore with the Hong Kong Derby trophy after Ping Hai Star’s win in 2018.
The Derby ambassador for the past eight seasons – Hong Kong icon Donnie Yen Ji-dan – will miss this year’s renewal, as he is extending his stay in the United States.
Given that only key personnel, staff and owners are likely to be allowed on track for the Derby to reduce any potential spreading of the coronavirus, there is simply no need for the movie star to rush back.
The Derby is the most prestigious race in Hong Kong, with owners spending millions to find horses capable of taking part.
Donnie Yen is a Hollywood superstar, but he is in awe of Hong Kong’s top jockeys
Unfortunately this season, many of the higher-profile imports – the likes of Thinkin’ Big, Extra Brut, Arrogant and now Beauty Legacy – have fallen by the wayside.
The Derby field will be announced on Thursday, but it doesn’t really matter how many entrants there are, realistically there are only three chances come Sunday, March 22.
