Whose Turn Is It?

A full field of 14 will head to the post for Sunday’s HK$18-million BMW Hong Kong Derby, trying to follow in the considerable hoofprints of recent winners such as Vengeance of Rain (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), Viva Pataca (GB) (Marju {Ire}), Ambitious Dragon (NZ) (Pins {Aus}), Akeed Mofeed (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and last year’s hero Designs on Rome (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}). Each of those would go on to international Group 1 glory, and while it waits to be seen if there is something of that quality in this year’s group, it is a very well-matched field and offers the most complex of gambling conundrums. 

Take, for example, a horse like Luger (Aus) (Choisir {Aus}). Victorious in six of his nine career starts, the bay won four from five last season and came in to this year as one of the leading hopes. Found to be suffering from a heart irregularity when 11th as the 4-5 choice in a Class 1 over 1400 meters Nov. 15, Luger secured his place in the Derby with a defeat of next-out winner Arpinati (GB) (Lucky Story) under Class 2 top weight of 133 pounds. 

Those are the positives. The knocks? He has never raced further than a mile, he has lost Douglas Whyte to Giant Treasure (Mizzen Mast) and drew gate 12 with a short run to the first turn for the Derby. The highest-rated galloper on 107, Luger was friendless in early wagering as no better than fourth selection. Trainer John Size, who sent out Fay Fay (NZ) (Falkirk) to win the 2012 Derby, likes Luger’s chances. 

“Luger seems to have done well,” said Size. “He hasn’t had much racing but that may not be a bad thing. His win was quite good last start; he did everything correctly; he carried a heavy weight in Class 2, so you can’t do much more than that and he has done well since.” 

Redkirk Warrior (GB) (Notnowcato {GB}) gives trainer Chris So a rare opportunity to grab the spotlight. Perfect in two starts in England for William Haggas, he is the veteran of just three local outings, but made a good impression when defeating Contentment (Aus) (Hussonet) in a 1600-meter Class 2 Feb. 1. He was his own worst enemy in the Hong Kong Classic Cup two weeks later, as he looked to have the race in the bag, only to idle a bit and allow Thunder Fantasy (Aus), a son of 2004 Derby winner Lucky Owners (NZ), to box back inside. Redkirk Warrior leaves from the six hole. 

“He can jump and get good cover, which is important for him at 2000 meters,” So stated. “I think he is more relaxed now; he should be easier to handle than the last couple of times. He is proven at 2000 meters, that’s not a worry, the important thing this year is the draw and I’m happy.” 

Beauty Only (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) landed the first blow in the 4-year-old series, rallying to a visually impressive defeat of Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup hopeful Divine Calling (Aus) (Stratum {Aus}) and Giant Treasure in the Hong Kong Classic Mile Jan. 18. He came with a stretch rally in the Classic Cup last time, but his run petered out and he checked in fourth, beaten two lengths. 

“Beauty Only will be right smack in behind,” trainer Tony Cruz opined. “I expect he will be running about fifth, sixth, seventh from that draw [stall five]. He needs a firm track, he will run the 2000 meters and he is the horse that has the acceleration. He has been very good in his track work.” 

Got Fly (Fr) (Early March) has been the subject of some early tote action. Winner of two straight over the 1800 meters earlier this season, he was most recently third, beaten a half-length behind Dynamism (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) going this distance Feb. 15. One of three in the race for Akeed Mofeed’s trainer Richard Gibson, he is not without a puncher’s chance.

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