The Derby ‘Dream’ Is Very Much Alive

[Wandering Eyes]

The results of the G1 Queensland Derby have played an increasingly important role in the 4YO Classic series in Hong Kong over the last few years, with that race’s winners Eagle Way (Aus) (More Than Ready) and Ruthven (Aus) (Domesday {Aus}) having been imported for lofty sums. Neither of those managed to claim the HK$18 million on offer for the BMW Hong Kong Derby–Eagle Way has managed three group wins and multiple Group 1 placings–but the recently retired Werther (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) parlayed a runner-up effort at Doomben in 2015 into victory and future superstardom at Sha Tin nine months hence.

Dark Dream (Aus) (All American {Aus}) is the latest Queensland Derby hero to make his way into Hong Kong and is raced by Albert Hung, owner of ill-fated Derby winner and Horse of the Year Rapper Dragon (Aus) (Street Boss)–and, in the spirit of full disclosure, the disappointing Ruthven. Backing up on two weeks’ rest and contesting the same 2000m handicap won in 2017 by Derby favourite and recent G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase (2400m) hero Exultant (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Dark Dream showed that he will take a fair amount of beating in this year’s domestic centrepiece with a stunning 4 1/2-length victory.

Sent off a $4.20 (16-5) chance off a close third on Hong Kong debut on International Races day, Dark Dream settled well off an easy tempo, but began his run on the turn, was guided down to the inside in the lane by Silvestre de Sousa and, in a final-furlong rally reminiscent of Werther in the 2016 G1 QE II Cup, streaked home to win by daylight (video) over a track affected by a steady day-long drizzle. Fellow Classic hopeful Harmony Victory (Brz) (Public Purse) could do no better than fifth as the $2.10 (11-10) favourite.

“He handled very well and he’s a horse who is going to be in the big races. He looked impressive to me,” de Sousa told South China Morning Post. “I knew if we were good enough to go around then we were good enough to go on the inside. At the same time he is still a bit green and he got to the 300m and he just starts looking around. He’s just immature and still getting to know the place.”

Winning trainer Frankie Lor said Dark Dream would cut back in trip for the Hong Kong Classic Mile Jan. 27.

“Coming back to 1600m for the Classic Mile may be a bit short, but I have to try and, of course, I hope he’s a Derby horse,” the conditioner told SCMP.

 

View the full article