The BMW Hong Kong Derby has suddenly sprung to life with the pre-big race favourite- Akeed Mofeed- now having some serious competition.
(Source: HKJC)
Ironically, the biggest competition to him could be in the form of another Richard Gibson-trained runner in Mizani who won so well on Saturday.
(Source: Apple Daily)
Though it will bypass the Group One Classic Cup, regarded as a lead up race to the Derby on March 17, Mizani, still regarded as a baby and needing time between races, was bought for owner Nikki Ng with the Derby in mind.
Though trainer Gibson who wisely let’s action speak louder than words is playing his cards very close to his chest as to plans, it stands to reason that this is its target.
(Source: Apple Daily)
Then there is that other Gibson runner in Gold-Fun and which raises the question of who will ride these horses?
Ollie Doleuze who is riding with great confidence, has a great affinity with his little baby- Mizani- but seems set to pilot Akeed Mofeed.
Who then would get the plum ride on Mizani and will Douglas Whyte stick with Gold-Fun which looks very suspect at running out the Derby distance of 2000 metres or jump on the impressive Sean Woods-trained Autumn Gold?
(Source: HKJC)
Wait, there are more questions: The former Sir Michael Stoute trained four-year-old Poetic Justice ran a cracking race under Neil Callan for John Moore.
Moore, who relishes winning these big races and is a crafty user of psychology to hype and confuse his competition- also has hopes for another of his runners- last start winner Sunny Ying- a galloper that might not have the class of Poetic Justice, but can stay all day.
(Source: Apple Daily)
Who will be the riders for these horses? And if Caspar Fownes gets his Derby aspirant Blazing Speed into the Derby, it again comes to who will pilot it as I cannot see Vincent Ho who rode it on Saturday, being its big race rider?
(Source: SCMP)
As I said, this year’s Hong Kong Derby is not as cut and dry as once thought and is evolving every day with a long time to go before that date with fate on March 17.
Follow me for more inside information and questions and answers about what promises to be a fascinating race and an intriguing lead up to this race all owners wish to win!
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