Friends of Ka Ying (Aus), the former Almalad, returned a handsome 10-1 in winning for the first time in three local appearances Sunday at Sha Tin. Sixth on Hong Kong debut over 1200 meters Dec. 13, he was a troubled 10th trying a mile Jan. 9 and was back to seven furlongs for this. Able to slide across from his wide draw, Friends of Ka Ying stalked a modest pace from the outside, headed that front-runner exiting the final corner and held sway to score by 3/4 of a length as G1 Prix Jean Prat third Helene Paragon (Fr) (Polan {Fr}) found the line nicely in his first local run (video). Originally purchased by the Gai Waterhouse/James Harron team for A$50,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in 2013, Friends of Ka Ying missed the 2014 G1 Golden Slipper S., but won each of his three starts and was named champion of his generation with a defeat of Brazen Beau (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}) in the G1 J J Atkins S. at Eagle Farm in June 2014. He added the G2 Stutt S. in five starts at three. A yearling half-sister to Friends of Ka Ying by Dream Ahead is consigned by Emirates Park as hip 348 to the upcoming Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.
Friends of Ka Ying (Aus), g, 4, Al Maher (Aus)–Ilhaam (Aus), by Secret Savings. Sha Tin, 1-24, Hcp. (A$302k), 1400mT, 1:23.14. B-Emirates Park Pty Ltd. *Ch. 2yo Colt & G1SW-Aus.
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