The countdown to the new season is really on now with eleven barrier trials over the weekend and entries now out for the first meeting on Sunday and another disappointing turnout for the traditional opening feature race.
In recent years, the Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive’s Cup, 1,200m, has drawn small fields, with the shortening summer break getting some of the blame and it seems to have spilled over to the support races now too.
Fields of seven or eight for the Cup have become regulation – well below Sha Tin’s average field size – but the 2013 renewal appears an intriguing edition nontheless.
Last year’s unlucky runner-up, Derek Cruz-trained Cerise Cherry, will be back while leading upper grade trainers, John Moore (Destined For Glory, Leading City) and Tony Cruz (El Zonda, Best Eleven) are well-represented. Wah May Star, who failed to stay longer trips in his four-year-old year, is back to sprinting while champion trainer Dennis Yip sends out Go Baby Go and Michael Chang saddles up Rich Tapestry.
Rich Tapestry, originally bought from Ireland as a staying prospect, turned into a sprinter in the past year or so and even eclipsed the likes of Lucky Nine, Frederick Engels and Time After Time when he won his career highlight, the Group 2 Sprint Cup in April, beating Go Baby Go.
A number of the Chief Executive’s horses trialled strong on Saturday down the straight, including Destined For Glory and there were pointers to other races in other trials.
Former glamour name Fair Trade, who never reached his potential due to injury, resumes in the 1,400m Class Two on Sunday and looked very forward running second in his trial for Zac Purton – the gelding didn’t have a long break either after racing on the final Sha Tin day, July 7.
By Nathan Mody
