Comin’ Through, Australia’s lone representative at the International meeting at Sha Tin, has finished unplaced in the Hong Kong Mile won by Beauty Generation in scintillating fashion.
Beauty Generation, who ran second in the 2016 Rosehill Guineas when known as Montaigne and trained by Anthony Cummings, was a comfortable three-length winner on Sunday over Japanese horse Vivlos.
Another former Sydneysider, Southern Legend, finished third.
“That’s what we all hoped we’d see today. I’m just happy for the horse that he’s come out and produced it on a big stage. He has shown everyone how brutally good he can be,” jockey Zac Purton said.
“His best attribute is he has got a very high cruising speed. He’s very comfortable rolling along at that speed and he can kick off it. For the horses back in the field they’re already struggling to go the pace and when you’ve got to try and reel him in, it’s not an easy thing to do.”
Michael Walker, who rode the Chris Waller-trained Comin’ Through, said he weakened after being on the pace early.
“I followed the eventual winner, but I couldn’t go with him,” he said.
Ex-pat Australian rider Purton earlier claimed another Group One victory when he steered Exultant to win the Hong Kong Vase (2400m).
Exultant beat Japanese stayer Lys Gracieux by a neck with Melbourne Cup third placegetter Prince Of Arran eighth.
Walker also rode Prince Of Arran who started from the outside barrier in the field of 14.
“He ran super – just the draw beat him today,” Walker said.
“He jumped out and wanted to head off the track early which is unlike him. He would have been right on the finish but for his draw.”
The Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) was a repeat of last year with Mr Stunning beating D B Pin while the Hong Kong Cup (2000m) went to Glorious Forever who beat the favourite Deirdre who gave the Japanese a third Group One placing from the four major races on the day.
