“He means the world to me and has given me so many opportunities,” is what jockey Vincent Ho graciously said after guiding Golden Sixty (speed score of 109 ++ ) to his 18th successive win. Arguably the world’s best miler glided past all- comers in the Longines Hong Kong Mile to again confirm his superiority. This was an assured victory for the odds-on favourite – though he’s run better than this measured against the clock in the past (121 is his peak number which he could conceivably boost) it was yet again visually, super-impressive.
Earlier, Sky Field won the G1 Hong Kong Sprint under dramatic circumstances. Amazing Star broke down (injuring Lyle Hewitson) and taking out three other horses who fell on the turn. Sky Field (s/s 108 + has managed 113 @ best) managed to sneak down the rail, avoiding the carnage, to overhaul Japanese invader, Residencia and a wandering leader, Courier Wonder in the final stages.
Deep Impact’s six-year-old, Glory Vase (speed score 121) was exceptional when running down Pyledriver (s/s 120) and retiring French legend, Alain de Royer Dupre’s last runner, Ebaiyra (s/s 118) in the HK Vase over 2400m. These are the numbers required to truly shine in International class Group 1’s and it was thrilling to see a champion ridden by world renowned, jock (Moreira) swoop by for the victory.
Loves Only You (s/s 118 +) has traversed the globe with distinction including a momentous recent victory in the Breeders Cup F & M Turf, and she rounded off her stellar career with a remarkable victory in the HK Cup. Also sired by the awesome Deep Impact for Japan, the mare bravely overcame traffic problems to dive past Russian Emperor (s/s 116), then somehow stave off deep closer, Hishi Iguazu (s/s 118) in a nip and tuck finish. Dubai Honour (s/s 116) also closed ground very smartly to be fourth and is a young horse worth following. William Haggas intends sending him on further ventures around the world for rich pickings.
In South African action, the WSB Grand Heritage is an unusual race in that provision is made for up to 26 entries over the quirky distance of 1475m down the Vaal straight. This year 20 runners participated and though the compressed weight scale ostensibly made it easier to narrow the contention, that did not prove the case. 60/1 long shot Stone Cold (speed score 97) swept through for a convincing score under Nathan Klink to get the bounty.
Stone Cold’s best previous effort was winning the Egoli Mile over Puerto Manzano back in February. The son of Soft Falling Rain had only managed a couple of minor placings since, hence the big price. He woke up dramatically here, proving way too strong for fellow light weight, Noble Striker at 20/1, with 25/1 top weight Mardi Gras over four lengths back in third spot. Candice Dawson trains the victor.
The Heritage Consolation was won by Sean Tarry-trained, Bowie (s/s 94) who enjoyed the softer turf. Bowie is a consistent and reliable gelding, and he turned out to be a length better than Spanish Boy on the day. The runner up is suffering from a severe case of “seconditis’ having now run second six times since last visiting the No 1 box back in August 2020.
Earlier, Master Archie (s/s 97 +) showed his rivals a clean pair of heels when romping in the WSB Sophomore. Paul Peter’s sprinter has now won half of his eight starts and continues to progress. The very promising three-year-old colt is sired by Rafeef.
Kissing Point (s/s 97) trained by Interbet ambassador Brett Crawford landed a strong betting plunge at Kenilworth. She’d run credibly in the Laisserfaire Stakes when emptying out late over 1200m (still earning a fig of 95,) and relished cutting back to 1000m versus lesser opposition. This was only her seventh start, and the Global View filly can win more races in future over the short cuts.