Moreira Looking for Contentment

While such names as Blazing Speed (GB) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}), Military Attack (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}) and Helene Super Star (War Front) are recognizable to a broader audience as international Group 1 winners, Contentment (Aus) (Hussonet) is not nearly as familiar, but the 5-year-old will seek to continue a meteoric ascent in Sunday’s Sha Tin Trophy H.

Ninth, beaten 5 1/2 lengths in the Hong Kong Derby in March, Contentment twice won over this 1600-meter trip to close out the 2014/2015 season and was impressive in handing Giant Treasure (Giant’s Causeway) a half-length defeat in the Celebration Cup H. Oct. 1.

“I thought Contentment was a little bit under-done last time, which is a good sign because he won the race and that shows his ability,” commented jockey Joao Moreira. “I think he’s going to be 100% fit this time, which will make it very tough for the others. I respect every other horse in the race, they are very good horses, but I have faith in this horse and I think he can win.”

Helene Super Star, the former G2 UAE Derby hero Lines of Battle, makes his first start since besting Dominant (Ire) (Cacique {Ire}) by a short head in the G1 Champions and Chater Cup over the metric 12 furlongs May 31, as Blazing Speed was fourth as the 3-2 favorite. This 1600-meter distance figures short for each of those, who will aim for the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup and Hong Kong Vase in December.

Dan Excel (Ire) (Shamardal), the two-time defending champion of the now-discontinued G1 SAI Cup in Singapore going 10 furlongs, is also a proficient miler and should improve off his sixth-place effort behind Contentment in the Celebration Cup. Click for the HKJC.com form.