David Hall hopes Atullibigeal can complete an unconventional preparation for the HK$24 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 19 March when the galloper uses the Class 2 Lung Kong Handicap (1400m) on Saturday as a launching pad into the Classic.
Dropping in distance after last-start victory over 1600m at Sha Tin on 19 February, Atullibigeal could give Hall his third BMW Hong Kong Derby runner after Ambitious General (fourth in 2008) and Ho Ho Khan (fifth in 2019).
To be ridden by Luke Ferraris this weekend, Atullibigeal has drawn the outside gate of nine in a field headed by The Golden Scenery and Fantastic Treasure and while Hall considered a 1600m trial for the Street Boss gelding, he ultimately opted to send the four-year-old back to the races.
“It’s probably a bit of a different path going into the race, but he is a month between runs and he went from 1400m to 1600m and then jumping up to 2000m with a month between runs, I had to make the decision whether to run him or possibly give him a mile trial,” Hall said.
“I think eight days between the 1400m race to the Derby will just take the freshness out of him and help him get the 2000m is what I have decided to do and I’m pretty happy with that.
“He’s been a horse who’s been a bit highly-strung and we’ve worked on trying to make him relax and as you could see in his mile race (last start) he did that and that allowed him to finish off really strongly. If there’s a nice even tempo and he gets into a rhythm where he’s relaxed, I’ve got no doubt he’ll get the distance.
“He’s one of those horses who has always been talented and he’s built like a staying horse – he’s long and lean and very clean-winded. It was all about mentally getting him to switch off and relax before we could work out where he was going to take us and we’re very satisfied that he’s made the Derby. Now, we can find out how high he can jump.”
Regarded by many as a potential top-liner after four wins from five starts, Beauty Eternal trailed fellow BMW Hong Kong Derby contender Tuchel across the line behind Jimmy Ting-trained sprinter Computer Patch, who held a 7.50-length margin over the runner-up at the finish.
Caspar Fownes-trained Straight Arron was fourth in the cluster of Classic aspirants under Hugh Bowman, only a neck behind Beauty Eternal.
It was a similar tale in the second trial 1200m won by Beauty Tycoon in 1m 09.65s with Tony Cruz-trained Beautyverse crossing in fifth place, 6.50 lengths behind the winner, while Size’s Sweet Encounter was seventh, 7.50 lengths away.
Chasing a fourth BMW Hong Kong Derby triumph after Fay Fay (2012), Luger (2015) and Ping Hai Star (2018), 11-time champion trainer Size conceded he had been surprised by Beauty Eternal’s progress.
“Beauty Eternal has come along rather quickly and surprisingly. He’s come on the scene unannounced and he got through the grades very fast. He’s an exciting horse and he seems to have a lot of quality,” said Size, who will also saddle Tuchel and Sweet Encounter in the BMW Hong Kong Derby.
“When he started racing, it didn’t look like that (status as a leading Derby contender) but he had the right age and race by race he started to show an aptitude and a temperament that was suitable to go on that path. So, we’ve come pretty quickly to this point and I just hope he’s got the quality to carry it off.”
With 52 wins for the season so far, Vincent Ho needs only two more to reach 500 victories overall in Hong Kong, a feat achieved by only one other home-grown jockey – Tony Cruz, who amassed 946. - Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Asian One consistent form lately and can score here in what is a very winnable Class 5 race. Speedstar drops down in grade and start following, he placed at long odds in Class 4 last start and can run a race if he brings that form. Sure Win Win resuming from a break and trialled well recently. Each-way claims. Young Horizon could sneak a place in a race like this and consider for exotics. Heavenly Thought generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. Drawn wide, so will get back and be running on.
Race 2: Laser Victory impressive debut performance when winning smartly and clearly has nice ability. He has trialled nicely in between runs and is the clear standout in a moderate Class 4 contest. He should be winning this easily. Moduleconstruction has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon, he looks the next-best chance. Happy Golf showed improvement at a recent trial. Red Hare King newcomer who has trialled well for debut and can run a race. Easy Snip has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon, but has drawn wide and will race for luck.
Race 3: Juneau Flash caught wide last start and still ran well into second. He won well here two starts ago and can bounce back on that form. Run Run Cool good performance when storming home for third place last start and now Purton takes the ride. Nicconi County is capable of running a fast final 400m sectional time and could be making a late challenge here. California Vanes has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. Show Respect newcomer who trialled okay but has drawn barrier 1 – not ideal for the straight course.
Race 4: D Star holding form with recent trial after winning well two starts ago and backing it up with a close second and can run well from the low draw under the 10lb claim. Owners’ Praise was an easy last start winner and must be respected again from barrier 2. Fast Buck every chance last start but still ran a good race and he’s improving and getting a close to a win with more racing. Decrypt drops down in grade and start following. With luck from out wide, he could be too strong late. Hero Icon has been steadily improving and do not dismiss. Last run was solid in a fast-run race.
Race 5: A wide-open race here with many of the in-form horses drawn wide. Gold Tack improving type and getting close to a win and he will get his chance to go one place better here. Flying Mojito more than capable of winning again in this race after a solid last-start win but over a shorter trip. Winning Steps had excuses last start and forget the run. Robot Warrior recent runs have been encouraging and can run well at odds. Go Go Sixteen had genuine excuses last start when caught wide but still ran well.
Race 6: Hong Kong Hall has trialled well for debut and should be rated a winning chance first-up from a favourable draw for the straight course. Innoconstruction disappointing effort last start when beaten as the race favourite, give him another chance to prove himself. Equilibrium Turbo good performance when storming home for a nice second last start and can go on with it. Cheval Valiant should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way, but he’s generally found wanting late. Speedy Fortune had genuine excuses last start when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race, could run a race at a price.
Race 7: A small field with not much separating the lot. The tempo set will determine each horse’s chance. Amazing Victory looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start and has favours from a low draw on the light weight. Circuit Stellar good effort last start leading all the way to win and he will get his chance to repeat the dose. Atullibigeal last start winner who rises in class but can measure up. Mr Ascendency go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. The Golden Scenery last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss, chance on true form.
Race 8: Smiling Collector has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Barrier 4 should provide him with every chance. Run Run Buddy good effort last start leading all the way to win but barrier 14 may be against him here. Universal Horizon racing well with good sectional time rankings recently and he should map kindly from barrier 1. Publicist will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well for Purton. Wide Blue Yonder last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. From barrier 2, he can give some cheek.
Race 9: Not much separates the leading chances here. Red Lion will be suited by the rise in distance and is itching to break through for a win. Barrier 4 and Purton in the saddle are key to his chances. Chiu Chow Spirit caught the eye last start when running home well into fifth on his Hong Kong debut. Nice run and has ability. Master Tornado had genuine excuses last start, used up on-pace, but can be ridden quieter here and let down well. Setanta racing well with good sectional time rankings recently. Capital Legend go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay.
Race 10: Golden Express resuming from a break and trialled strongly recently. A lower drawn than his main rival should hold him in good stead to break through for a first Hong Kong win. Dragon’s Luck talented four-year-old who has shown plenty of talent and holding form with recent good trial. Barrier 11 might be his undoing early, but that remains to be seen. Happy Mission has been steadily improving and do not dismiss from the low draw. Super Fortune should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Phoenix Light racing well with excel- lent sectional time rankings.