China Win seeks late BMW Hong Kong Derby berth on Wednesday

[Wandering Eyes]

David Hayes hopes China Win (NZ) (Super Seth) can warrant last-minute selection for the HK$26 million 149th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) when he contests Wednesday night’s Class 3 Lyttelton Handicap (1800m) under Zac Purton.

 

Currently rated 67, China Win is aiming to emulate Beauty Alliance, who last season secured the final BMW Hong Kong Derby spot with victory in this race at Happy Valley, earning a 12-point rating rise (65 to 77) and his place in the contest, which is finalised by the selection panel, who will determine the 14-runner field later this week. 

 

Hayes said: “I think if he was lucky enough to win, then he’d be in the calculations to get the last spot. The horse has a good gate (three), and his trackwork and trials have been excellent.

 

“He’s had a bit of time between runs because he was scratched due to a heart anomaly, which was rectified straight away, so that put us a bit behind the eight ball, but he’s in good form for this race.”

 

The BMW Hong Kong Derby takes place at Sha Tin on 22 March, and China Win has emerged as an unlikely candidate. The Super Seth gelding took seven starts to break through, but has shown that stamina is his best asset by winning his most recent two outings over 1800m.

 

“His win before last was probably more eye-catching with Zac on when he came from last and barrier 14, and even the start before that he was only beaten an inch, so he’s in really good form,” Hayes said. “He’s by a sire that produces horses who get over a bit of ground. We couldn’t be happier with the way he’s progressing.”

 

Hayes is looking forward to unleashing Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) in the HK$5.35 million Gr.2 Sprint Cup (1200m) on 6 April at Sha Tin, where the world’s leading sprinter goes for a record-extending 19th consecutive win.

 

“He did some striding work with Zac on this morning (Tuesday). Zac was very happy with him, and he ran home in around 12 and a half seconds. He’ll have a barrier trial around 10 days out from the 6th (of April). He’ll be in the Sprint Cup, then the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (Gr.1, 1200m) and then his season is over,” Hayes said.

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