Written by Alan Carasso
In this ongoing series, we take a look at Australasian-bred horses down to make their initial starts in Hong Kong, either unraced (PPG-privately purchased griffins) or previously raced in Australia and New Zealand (PP-private purchases) – in addition to progressive horses returning from a spell.
The horses listed below have been selected based on notable pedigrees, sales history and/or previous racetrack performances.
R2-Shung Ling H. (C4), HK$967k (AU$197k), 1200m
True Legend
(c, 3, Deep Field x Jolie Bay, by Fastnet Rock)
A $530,000 acquisition out of the 2018 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, True Legend is the latest to make it to the races from his dam, a full-sister to dual-hemisphere Group 1 winner Merchant Navy and the dam of the Group 2-placed God Of Thunder (More Than Ready {USA}).
True Legend as a yearling
In addition to Merchant Navy, Group 3 winner and dual Group 1-placed Legally Bay (Snippets) is also responsible for the Listed-placed Zara Bay (Fastnet Rock) and the dam of Shotmaker (Shooting To Win), second in the 2019 G3 Blue Diamond Prelude S. The colt’s third dam Decidity (Last Tycoon {Ire}) bred G1 Myer Classic heroine Bonaria (Redoute’s Choice) and stakes winner Time Out (Rory’s Jester).
Breeder: Mr C Barham (Qld)
Consignor: Segenhoe Stud Australia
Purchaser: Lucky Owners
R3-Fung Mo H. (C4), HK$967k (AU$192k), 1000m
Dream Team
(g, 3, Rubick x Honeymoon Cruise, by Fastnet Rock)
This August 23 foal is a maternal grandson of With Fervour (USA) (Dayjur {USA}), whose son Mr Stunning (Exceed And Excel) is a two-time winner of the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint and has earned nearly $10 million.
Dream Team as a yearling
Purchased for $290,000 out of the 2018 Inglis Classic Sale, the bay counts 1985 Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks winner Fran’s Valentine (USA) (Saros {GB}) as his third dam. The latter is also the dam of the US five-times Grade 1 winner and Breeders’ Cup Turf runner-up With Anticipation (USA) (Relaunch {USA}) as well as the French Group 3 winner and dual Group 1-placed With Fascination (USA) (Dayjur {USA}).
Breeder: Bangaloe Stud Syndicate, Anthony Cummings Thoroughbreds (NSW)
Consignor: Widden Stud, agent
Purchaser: World Wide Bloodstock
