Progressive ‘Packing’ Earns First Stakes Score

In his four previous wins in Hong Kong, Packing Llaregyb (Ire) (Dylan Thomas {Ire})’s largest margin of victory was a half-length. He cut it close again under a featherweight in Sunday’s Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse H., but entered the discussion for the International Races with the win. 

A two-time winner in England while racing as Llaregyb for trainer David Elsworth, he needed four tries to break his local maiden, but then closed the season with a three-race streak, including a short-head success in Class 2 June 1. A closing third to Khaya (NZ) (Librettist) and Helene Super Star (War Front)–the former Lines of Battle–over a mile Oct. 1, the bay solved Class 2 rivals by a nose Oct. 26 and was trying this distance for the first time. 

Packing Llaregyb was away without incident and settled well back in the field, as Lines of Battle was sent along to finally take a clear lead after the opening three furlongs. Dubai World Cup-winning rider Mirco Demuro, in search of a natural hat trick on the card, kept Packing Llaregyb down inside before threading the needle and finding running room about five away from the inside entering the final furlong. Willie Cazals, second-last early, made solid progress to challenge late, but Packing Llaregyb was able to gut it out. Kabayan (Aus) (Haradasun {Aus}) was switched to the stands’ rail to race by his lonesome for the final 400 meters and was not beaten far in third.

“I had a route mapped out and that included this race and the Jockey Club Races later this month, all the way to the International Races in December,” commented winning trainer Andreas Schutz. “Whether we stick to that plan eor look for softer options for him, I’ll have to speak to the owner and look into it. I would still think the 1600 meters would suit him better if he goes the International route.” Click for the HKJC.com chart and PPs. VIDEO.

SA SA LADIES’ PURSE H., HK$2,750,000 (US$354,713), Sha Tin, 11-8, 3yo/up, 1800mT, 1:47.31, gd/fm. 
1–#PACKING LLAREGYB (IRE), 113, Dylan Thomas (Ire)–Tango Tonic (Ire), by Trans Island (GB). (€53,000 yrl ‘11 GOFFEB; €45,000 yrl ‘11 GOFSPT). O-Lee Man Yan; B-Corrin Stud; T-Andreas Schutz; J-Mirco Demuro; HK$1,567,500. Lifetime Record: 15-7-0-2, HK$4,881,160. 
2–Willie Cazals (Ire), 122, g, 6, Aussie Rules–Secrete Marina (Ire), by Mujadil. O-Eugene Chuang. HK$605,000. 
3–Kabayan (Aus), 119, g, 5, Haradasun (Aus)–Tarlaquena (NZ), by Don Eduardo (NZ). O-Julian Hui & Michele Monique Reis. HK$316,250. 
Margins: SHD, NK, HF. Odds: 5-1, 4-1, 15-1. 
Also Ran: Mr Gnocchi (Aus), Helene Super Star, Khaya (NZ), Winning Leader (Aus), Sunny Ying (GB), Travel Brand (GB), Same World (GB), Bubble Chic (Fr), Rainbow Chic (Ire), Ashkiyr (Fr), Free Judgement.