Rubick’s Rubylot impresses for David Hayes, lofty target awaits

Rubylot gives Rubick a Classic Mile boost

Swettenham Stud’s Rubick has the two leading contenders for the upcoming Listed Hong Kong Classic Mile on January 31, after Rubylot (Rubick) won impressively on Sunday at Sha Tin. He surged clear from mid-field under a ride by Brenton Avdulla to win by 0.5l from Young Champion (Ire) (Zoustar) with Johannes Brahms (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) in third and Packing Hermod (Rubick) storming home with impressive sectionals for fourth. Packing Hermod and Rubylot lead the betting for the Classic Mile.

The win was number 50 for Avdulla in Hong Kong. “He was great. Obviously, he drew well, so he was always going to get the right run but he handled himself well. He had to get his way out and made his own luck from the top of the straight,” Avdulla told hkjc.com.

“Zac had a margin on him from halfway up (the straight) but, to his (Rubylot’s) credit, he’s stuck it out well and his best work was his last 50 (metres). He came away well, he was ridden to find the line strong, and he got the job done. But he’s got a bit of quality.”

Trainer David Hayes was thrilled by the effort too. “I’m really excited because we’ve set him for the Classic Mile and he’s hit form at the right time. He’s crying out for a mile, so it’s really exciting going forward. Brenton’s got a good affinity with the horse – two rides for two wins. He took a chance, and it paid off,” Hayes said.

“He (Rubylot) is out of a Dubawi mare. He’s by Rubick, but his racing pattern is of a horse that will get further. He’s been crying out for a mile all season, but I’ve been holding him back because I don’t want to hit the sweet spot too early.”

Raced by the Hong Kong Football Club syndicate, Rubylot was sold by Woodpark Stud for $100,000 to Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock (BAFNZ) at the Inglis Ready2Race Sale for 2-year-olds. He is the fourth foal, and third winner for Emirates Comfort (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) who is a daughter of G1 Arlington Park Beverly D S. winner Royal Highness (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}) whose seven winners include Emirates Comfort’s dual Group 2-winning half-brother Free Port Lux (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). Royal Highness is a half-sister to Joint Champion 2YO Filly in Germany in 2002 Royal Dubai (Ger) (Dashing Blade {GB}), who is the grandam of G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Yibir (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).

Emirates Comfort has an unnamed 2-year-old colt by Aylmerton and a colt foal by All Too Hard.

Table: Top runners in the betting for the Hong Kong Classic Mile January 31, 2025

Doubles for Purton and Avdulla

Jockey Zac Purton’s double on Sunday night took him to 1808 wins in Hong Kong, five short of equalling Douglas Whyte’s all-time record of 1813. The wins on Sunny Da Best (NZ) (Proisir) and Masterofmyuniverse (GB) (Havana Gold {Ire}) took Purton’s combined earnings of his starters this season to over HK$100 million (AU$20.8 million).

Brenton Avdulla’s 49th and 50th wins in Hong Kong came via 3-year-old gelding Juneau Pride (Pride Of Dubai) in race five, and the aforementioned Rubylot in race seven. Trained by John Size, Juneau Pride was having his fourth start in Hong Kong, having placed in his first three starts. He was sold at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale by Middlebrook Valley Lodge for $80,000 to John Foote Bloodstock (FBAA).

The fifth winner for winning mare Sherbet Bomb (Snitzel), Juneau Pride is a half-brother to Group-placed winners Rocket Fuel (Smart Missile) and Elkington Road (All Too Hard). Sherbet Bomb’s 2-year-old is the filly Bomb Perignon (Bivouac) who trainer Chris Waller sent to the first trials of the season, and is now spelling. Sherbet Bomb’s yearling is a colt by North Pacific.

Dragon Joy and Embraces on the rise for Classic Mile

Both Ricky Yiu-trained Dragon Joy (NZ) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) and Cody Mo-trained Embraces (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) won on Sunday as they attempt to get their rating high enough to make the Hong Kong Classic Mile field.

Dragon Joy’s win was thanks to a brilliant ride by Matthew Poon, and he defeated fellow potential Classic Mile runners in Markwin (I Am Invincible) and Fast Network (NZ) (Wrote {Ire}). “It was a very nice win. He’s proven over 1400 metres and a mile, but I will stick to the same distance for a bit before I think about going over further. They (handicappers) will put him up double digits. He was out of the handicap - maybe 12 or 13 (points),” Yiu said. “He’s a nice horse.”

Dragon Joy didn’t go through an auction, and he is the first foal of Ashara (NZ) (Pins), a half-sister to G1 Australian Derby winner Jon Snow (NZ) and Listed winner Princess Rhaneys (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}). Ashara (NZ) doesn’t have a yearling this year.

The optimism wasn’t the same in the Embraces camp, as the 4-year-old gelding won the last by 0.3l from Glorious Success (Star Witness). “I think it will be difficult (gaining a Hong Kong Classic Mile start) because of the rating. He's 62 and maybe today eight pounds up - maybe (a rating of) 70,” Mo said. “Maybe have one more race in Sha Tin and hopefully win one more race and get into the Classic Cup.”

Embraces is another who came to Hong Kong privately after trialling in New Zealand, and he has now won two in succession. He is one of five winners for city winner Abbey Tralae (NZ) (Traditionally {USA}).

Table: Last 10 winners of the Hong Kong Classic Mile