With the spotlight of world racing on Hong Kong with their international meeting coming up on Sunday, it was fitting Chosen Legend should score at Caulfield.
Chosen Legend is owned by Boniface Ho, a Hong Kong-based owner who has had considerable success in Australia, including taking out The Everest with Classique Legend in 2020.
Success in the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Plate (1600m) on Wednesday was by the barest possible margin, but one trainer Archie Alexander would not hand back.
Ridden by Declan Bates, Chosen Legend ($13) scored by a nose from the fast finishing Reach The Peak ($51) with Everythingisautumn ($9.50) a further 1-¾ lengths away third.
Alexander said Chosen Legend had defied her breeding and her stature in breaking through for her maiden win over 1600m.
“Looking at her physically and off her breeding, everyone would think well, she’s a very sharp 1000-metre horse, but as we’ve gone further, she’s kept getting better,” Alexander said.
“We’ve had to be patient with her and oddly enough she’s an Extreme Choice but the further we’ve got out over ground the more she’s improved and she’s very fit, looks very well, so full credit to everyone at home because we’ve got her actually spot on.
“This filly’s got small everything so I didn’t think she would have a very big nose to hold on and thank God she held on.
“It’s terrific for Bon Ho up in Hong Kong who has been terrific supporter of the stable.”
Chosen Legend showed promise on debut in October 2023 when placed in a $500,000 race at Moonee Valley.
Alexander explained Chosen Legend fell ill after that race, and while she made it back to the races during the autumn, was put away after one start.
While preparing the filly as a sprinter early in the campaign, Alexander came to the realisation Chosen Legend would be better placed over ground.
“You need confidence and she’s going to get loads today after that race,” Alexander said.
“She was a bit sick after her first start, and she had a long time off and everything wasn’t right, but we’ve got her absolute spot on now and hopefully we can keep it going.”
