The local assault on the Hong Kong international meeting was thrown into confusion by upsets in the leadup races at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Hong Kong’s reigning champion Ambitious Dragon was narrowly beaten in the Jockey Club Mile by the John Moore stable’s third string Destined For Glory, ridden by Australian Tim Clark.
Ambitious Dragon was trapped wide throughout and was a target for Destined For Glory who beat him by a nose and will now head to the Group One Hong Kong Mile on December 11.
“It was certainly a surprise to win it and especially with my third-string horse,” Moore told the South China Morning Post.
“But we had a great run while the favourite had a tough run.
Moore said Destined For Glory would go to the Hong Kong Mile along with Xtension, who rocketed home just behind the placings, and Able One who finished eighth with Darren Beadman aboard.
“Able One didn’t have the perfect run but I still think he was a bit below par so we’ll see how he pulls up,” Moore said.
“Xtension went terrific – nothing finished the race better.”
Clark’s disappointment at not riding Able One was forgotten after the race.
“I was shattered on Thursday when I found out I wouldn’t be on Able One, so there you go,” he said.
“Barrier one was a big advantage – especially with the favourite being wide and I could see all that happening during the race.”
The Jockey Club Cup (2000m) produced another surprise result with Thumbs’ Up the winner and favourite California Memory fourth after struggling to get a clear run in the straight.
The Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) was a win for Little Bridge over Entrapment.
Australia’s representation at the International meeting hinges on how Galaxy winner Atomic Force performs in a Rosehill barrier trial on Tuesday morning.
AAP TURF
