A ‘Beauty’ of a Feature at Sha Tin

A Group 3 winner in Italy, Beauty Only (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) belied odds of 9-1 to defeat Divine Calling (Aus) (Stratum {Aus}) in the Hong Kong Classic Mile last January, but was fourth in the Classic Cup over 1800 meters and sixth to Luger (Aus) (Choisir {Aus}) in the Hong Kong Derby over the metric mile and a quarter. The bay just missed in his seasonal swansong July 12 and was having his first run of the season Sunday in what became a repeat of the Classic Mile. Trapped about three wide in midpack and toting 129 pounds, Beauty Only continued to cover ground on the turn. He came wide into the stretch, joined Divine Calling to that one’s outside in the final furlong and outslugged that one to the wire to win by a nose at odds of 47-10 (video). “The breeders told me that, on his pedigree, Beauty Only would never be a stayer–he’s a miler, a strong miler, I’m sure of that,” trainer Tony Cruz told South China Morning Post. “He’s already a [domestic] Group 1 winner but, you know, he was a bit immature last season. Now he’s more professional–[jockey] Neil [Callan] said he did everything better today than he had before.” Cruz indicated that Beauty Only would be pointed for December’s G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile. Click here for Alan Carasso’s story on the influence of Holy Roman Emperor in Hong Kong.

Beauty Only (Ire), g, 4, Holy Roman Emperor (Ire)–Goldendale (Ire), by Ali-Royal (Ire). Sha Tin, 9-13, Hcp. ($310k), 1400mT, 1:21.83. B-Massimo Parri. *Formerly Gentleman Only (Ire). **GSW-Ity & SW-HK.