Malmoos (s/s 101 +) was seriously impressive when romping at his second start, following up after an easy debut win. This son of Captain Al settled behind pace-setting Wine Tasting then drawing away to win comfortably. Any three year- old achieving a triple digit speed figure is worth following with conviction and master-conditioner, Mike de Kock looks to have something special here.
Earlier, he also saddled Forever Mine (s/s 94) to win his second start on the bounce. This son of Vercingetorix dominated a small field from the get-go and, despite understandable signs of greenness, proved much the best as Willow Express chased vainly.
Myhopesanddreams (s/s 99) is a lightly raced four year- old trained by Justin Snaith. By Dynasty out of the Jallad mare, My Guiding Star, he was strongly fancied by the stable to score at Durbanville on Saturday and obliged with a smooth run from the back of the field. Cheek pieces have helped him to focus and settle better. Based on this victory under Grant van Niekerk, Myhopesanddreams is worth supporting against stronger fields. Three year- olds’, All Lit Up (s/s 97) Tarantino (s/s 95) and top weight Russian Rock (s/s 94, got his tongue over the bit) all emerged with credit and should have productive careers.
Snaith Racing also took the Michaelmas Handicap at Greyville with talented galloper, Crown Towers, carrying 62kg’s. Gauteng raider Sworder Street was backed to beat him in receipt of lumps of weight but was left trailing in his rivals wake – Crown Towers has, after all, faced off against the best in the land without being disgraced.
For those who enjoy following Hong Kong racing, Golden Sixty won his 12th race from 13 starts to cement his status as the best in that jurisdiction. Using tremendous acceleration (an explosive sub 22 second 400m to finish sectional), he won the Sha Tin Trophy under the hands from pacemaker, Ka Ying Star, with Southern Legend third.
Former Hong Kong champ, the aging Beauty Generation (has run 116 at best) is no longer a force and finished unplaced after being given every chance. Golden Sixty managed a figure of 108 here which can be upgraded to at least 116 ++ based on his powerful closing fraction.
The G2 Premier Handicap Sprint race there also threw up a fine performance as Wishful Thinker (s/s 112) came from off the speed to nail free striding front runner Computer Patch (s/s 111) on the wire. This serves to confirm that figures in the band between 111 and 116 are needed to shape in Hong Kong’s better class races.