The progressive Eastern Express (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) crept ever closer to a berth in the Mar. 20 Hong Kong Derby with his third win from five trips to the post this season. Sent off the 8-5 favorite coming off a half-length Class 3 success over 1800 meters Jan. 17 and trying the Derby trip for the first time, Eastern Express raced close up to a dawdling early pace and appeared loaded for Karis Teetan as they reached the final quarter. Held up momentarily behind horses, the Irish-bred found room four away from the fence in upper stretch and was home his final 400 meters in :23.30 to score by 3/4 of a length (video). “He moved into the race very impressively but got the front and didn't know what to do,” trainer John Size, who trained Luger (Aus) (Choisir {Aus}) to win last year's Hong Kong Derby, told South China Morning Post. “He probably wants something to chase, which is normal.”
Eastern Express (Ire), g, 4, Fastnet Rock (Aus)–Mohican Princess (GB), by Shirley Heights (GB). Sha Tin, 1-31, Hcp. (€137k), 2000mT, 2:03.05. B-K Molloy. *1/2 to Satchem (Ire) (Inchinor {GB}), MGSW-Eng, $234,243; Oui Say Oui (Ire) (Royal Applause {GB}), GSP-Ire, $182,885; and Eye of the Storm (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), GSW-Ire, MGSP-Eng, $273,329. **150,000gns Ylg '13 TATOCT.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
