Draw concern for Beauty Eternal in HK Derby

Pursuing a fourth BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) triumph at Sha Tin on Sunday, John Size is cautiously optimistic after leading Classic contender Beauty Eternal drew in the middle of the field.

Victorious with Fay Fay (2012), Luger (2015) and Ping Hai Star (2018), Size is represented by three runners – Beauty Eternal, Tuchel and Sweet Encounter – on Sunday but the nature of Beauty Eternal’s searing rise through the classes under Zac Purton means the Starspangledbanner gelding has become the arbitrary benchmark of this season’s four-year-old crop.

Reflecting on the exciting chestnut’s draw in barrier No 7, Size said: “I think it’s fine, Zac has options from there and I’m sure he’ll have a better idea of what he wants to do according to who’s drawn around him, but I think seven is fine. It wouldn’t seem like it’s any great disadvantage.

“It depends on the horse itself actually as to how important the gate is and then, of course, the running of the race determines the value of the draw. I think most races it’s nice to get a good gate where your horse can get a proper opportunity and show his worth.”

Winner of his past three starts and four out of five overall, Beauty Eternal has soared from a mark of 52 to 94 in his first preparation, which has been anything but seamless because of injury and two race-day scratchings.

His startling progress, capped by a blinding win against Class 2 rivals over 1600m on 26 February, has surprised even 11-time trainer Size.

“This target (the Derby) has come up rather quickly for him. He could have had a better preparation in terms of having more races but, as I have alluded to before, you never know what’s good or bad in the way of preparation,” Size said.

“He’s had a couple of interruptions that might have helped him get to this race whereas if he’d had a couple more runs, he might not have. So, you have to deal with what you’ve got and, at this point, I’m happy to go into the race. He seems in very good order. He hasn’t changed much since his last race and he handled that okay.

“The more they race, the more stress they’re under and more likely to be affected so, by actually missing a race has probably mentally helped.”

Purton and Size last shared BMW Hong Kong Derby success with Luger.

Englishman Ryan Moore will team with Size’s Tuchel, hopeful of emulating Ping Hai Star’s victory five years ago and Size is satisfied with the Redwood gelding’s draw in barrier No 1.

“I’m not too concerned about him being on the rail because he’s got the pace to follow the leaders. He’s not going to be back in the field or midfield,” Size said of the four-time Hong Kong winner.”

“He’s coming along nicely. He also had a major interruption a few months ago. He looks to be going into the race in pretty good shape. He’s a little bit fitter than he was three weeks ago.”

Size’s contingent is completed by Sweet Encounter, who has landed in gate No 2 for Luke Currie.

After stringing together four wins from his first five Hong Kong assignments, Sweet Encounter’s form tapered in the first two legs of the HK$48 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series, finishing eighth in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on 29 January and 11th in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on 26 February.

“Physically, he’s been fine. (Recently), he hasn’t been finishing off. We’ll run in him blinkers to help him concentrate. We’ve seen him run 1800m (winning on 11 December, 2022) and he’s looked like a stayer,” Size said. – Hong Kong Jockey Club

Pursuing a fourth BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) triumph at Sha Tin on Sunday, John Size is cautiously optimistic after leading Classic contender Beauty Eternal drew in the middle of the field.

Victorious with Fay Fay (2012), Luger (2015) and Ping Hai Star (2018), Size is represented by three runners – Beauty Eternal, Tuchel and Sweet Encounter – on Sunday but the nature of Beauty Eternal’s searing rise through the classes under Zac Purton means the Starspangledbanner gelding has become the arbitrary benchmark of this season’s four-year-old crop.

Reflecting on the exciting chestnut’s draw in barrier No 7, Size said: “I think it’s fine, Zac has options from there and I’m sure he’ll have a better idea of what he wants to do according to who’s drawn around him, but I think seven is fine. It wouldn’t seem like it’s any great disadvantage.

“It depends on the horse itself actually as to how important the gate is and then, of course, the running of the race determines the value of the draw. I think most races it’s nice to get a good gate where your horse can get a proper opportunity and show his worth.”

Winner of his past three starts and four out of five overall, Beauty Eternal has soared from a mark of 52 to 94 in his first preparation, which has been anything but seamless because of injury and two race-day scratchings.

His startling progress, capped by a blinding win against Class 2 rivals over 1600m on 26 February, has surprised even 11-time trainer Size.

“This target (the Derby) has come up rather quickly for him. He could have had a better preparation in terms of having more races but, as I have alluded to before, you never know what’s good or bad in the way of preparation,” Size said.

“He’s had a couple of interruptions that might have helped him get to this race whereas if he’d had a couple more runs, he might not have. So, you have to deal with what you’ve got and, at this point, I’m happy to go into the race. He seems in very good order. He hasn’t changed much since his last race and he handled that okay.

“The more they race, the more stress they’re under and more likely to be affected so, by actually missing a race has probably mentally helped.”

Purton and Size last shared BMW Hong Kong Derby success with Luger.

Englishman Ryan Moore will team with Size’s Tuchel, hopeful of emulating Ping Hai Star’s victory five years ago and Size is satisfied with the Redwood gelding’s draw in barrier No 1.

“I’m not too concerned about him being on the rail because he’s got the pace to follow the leaders. He’s not going to be back in the field or midfield,” Size said of the four-time Hong Kong winner.”

“He’s coming along nicely. He also had a major interruption a few months ago. He looks to be going into the race in pretty good shape. He’s a little bit fitter than he was three weeks ago.”

Size’s contingent is completed by Sweet Encounter, who has landed in gate No 2 for Luke Currie.

After stringing together four wins from his first five Hong Kong assignments, Sweet Encounter’s form tapered in the first two legs of the HK$48 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series, finishing eighth in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on 29 January and 11th in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on 26 February.

“Physically, he’s been fine. (Recently), he hasn’t been finishing off. We’ll run in him blinkers to help him concentrate. We’ve seen him run 1800m (winning on 11 December, 2022) and he’s looked like a stayer,” Size said.

Having won the Grade 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup three times in the past five years, Purton will be chasing his fifth title in this second leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series atop California Spangle.

The HK$12 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) precedes the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and draws together an elite field of horses and jockeys featuring Wellington (Ryan Moore), California Spangle (Purton), Lucky Sweynesse (James McDonald), Waikuku (Damian Lane) and Courier Wonder (Blake Shinn).

Purton, who has won Group 1s on California Spangle, Lucky Sweynesse and Waikuku, has opted to ride 2022 G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile (1600m) winner California Spangle in what shapes as a high-stakes tactical battle.

“It was really hard (to choose between California Spangle and Lucky Sweynesse). Obviously, Lucky Sweynesse is on the way up and it’s hard to know where his ceiling is at the moment. He might have a little improvement there,” Purton said.

“He’s unbeaten at the distance, albeit at a lesser grade and he’s airborne. He’s going really well so, it’s very hard to choose between the two. I just felt the Golden Sixty form was probably the best form in Hong Kong and I know my bloke is going to be very strong at 1400m, coming back from the mile.”

Purton expects Tony Cruz’s stable flagbearer to take up his customary leading role.

“I think it’s pretty predictable,” Purton said. “I think all the horses in this race are well established in their patterns and my bloke is going to take it up. I just throw the reins at him and let him go at whatever speed he wants to go. He can work it out – he’s a smart horse.

“I think every horse will get their chance.

“I love the horse (California Spangle). He’s been my favourite horse, the last 18 months and I always enjoy riding him. It’s a privilege to be on his back and hopefully we can get another win on the board with him.” – Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: June Planet resuming from a break and the recent trial was okay. He didn’t get many favours on debut but still turned in a blinder late. Island Golden has a chance based on past form in this class of race and he trialled nicely but quietly ahead of this. Expect a good run. Flamingo Trillion well prepared for debut and is worth considering, but the betting could be telling. Snowalot last start winner who remains in the same grade. Soaring Tower needs a fast early speed to produce a big finish, go on his previous placings.

Race 2: Billionaire Secret best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. From the low draw under Ryan Moore, he will get his chance to get his first local win. Rattan Kingdom was eased early before catching the eye late and has been racing well after a stable change this season. Luck from the wide draw determines his chances. Togepi improving type and get- ting close to a win. Lifeline Vision racing well with good sectional time rankings recently. Top Top Tea has shown ability and gets his chance from the low draw under the 10lb claim.

Race 3: Round The Globe debut run was impressive when third placed, but he was held up in the straight for a while so he did have some hard luck. He should be favoured to win second-up. Good Boy well prepared for debut and is worth considering, however barrier 13 will be a big ask first-up. Multidarling finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start for a much better run into eighth than it reads. Expect a good run. Fast Buck has shown ability and gets his chance to win here. Gluck Racer can bounce back a winner anytime in this class, each-way chance.

Race 4: Golden Bull looked very good in a recent trial when not tested. First-up here and with James McDonald engaged, he looks ready to break through for an overdue win. Good News has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Chiu Chow Brother holding form with recent good trial and looks well. Despite the rise in class, he will give a sight from barrier 1. War Weapon recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. He will get back from the wide draw but be making his typical eye-catching runs. War Of Courage can bounce back a winner anytime in this class, start to follow.

Race 5: A high-quality Class 2 field here, with some progressive types locking horns. Victor The Winner scored a big 4-length win last start in Class 3 and in slick time. He will vie to make all from barrier 2 under Purton. Packing Treadmill nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance back in trip. Beauty Tycoon consistent form and jumps from barrier 1, he should be right in the mix. Beauty Charge was an easy last start winner and he looks to have more to come. Lucky With You goes well second-up from a break and should be respected. His last-start fourth-place was good.

Race 6: Five G Patch every chance last start but still ran a good race into third. Back into Class 3 here and reunites with Bowman from barrier 3, where he’ll get all favours. Snaffles good performance when storming home for third place last start and from barrier 1, he can go on with it and prove a winning chance. Enjoying poorly judged ride last start, can improve here under Ryan Moore. Woodfire Bro nice four-year-old with a good chance. Natural Storm generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home, he can figure in the finish with the right run.

Race 7: Only a field of five contests the Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m), so California Spangle can lead in this race and be hard to run down, while with no Golden Sixty or Romantic Warrior to battle with, it’s an easier task than recent efforts. Lucky Sweynesse is clearly the biggest danger. He will be testing California Spangle late. Wellington excellent return run last start and looks a solid chance reuniting with Ryan Moore. Waikuku should be highly suited by the drop back in distance. Courier Wonder every chance last start but still ran a good race, but this is an uphill task.

Race 8: There are two clear standout four-year-olds in Sunday’s Hong Kong Derby. Trainer John Size’s Beauty Eternal has been ultra-impressive winning four of his five starts and is the deserved favourite. Super Sunny Sing has been a revelation for trainer Chris So. He continues to progress and impress. Winner of the Classic Cup (1800m), he’ll be giving Beauty Eternal something to think about. Sword Point is a solid chance based on his last-start second-place in the Classic Cup. He has won over 2000m before. Galaxy Witness has drawn nice and low. He can unleash late with a strong turn-of-foot. Straight Arron won smartly on his first run for Fownes last start. He arrived in Hong Kong with high expectations, and the penny seems to have dropped.

Race 9: Supreme Lucky had genuine excuses last start, when very slow to begin, and can improve in this race. Magniac overdue for a win, after placing on both local starts so far, and enters this race in good form. Eternal Bloom resuming from a break and not tested in recent trial, he looked well and barrier 4 suits his chances. Euro Rocks newcomer who trialled okay and can run well from barrier 2. Ennea Fortune caught the eye last start when running home well and appears to be improving, each-way chances.

Race 10: Mighty Stride nice four-year-old with a good to bounce back here after narrowly missing on the line as a short-priced favourite. Give him another chance. Unpresuming rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up from a low draw under Purton. Tamra Blitz well supported last start and won accordingly. Gallant Waking is capable of running a fast final 400m sectional time. He will get back, as he usually does, and will be charging home late. Never Too Soon good performance when storming home for third place last start and is back in form.