Nimble Nimbus (NZ) (Sacred Falls) has been one of this season’s surprise packages and trainer Ricky Yiu is remaining optimistic the gelding can step it up again when he contests the HK$28 million Gr.1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, 28 April.
The six-year-old has been a solid competitor with six wins across his 29-start career. He didn’t tackle his first Group race until his 24th outing, however, since then he has evolved into a Group Three winner and Group One placegetter across five appearances.
“He’s a magnificent horse. You can never see that he’s had a setback or that he is tired. He’s always very energetic and always seems as though he’s ready to race,” Yiu said.
The New Zealand-bred elevated expectations with victory in the HK$4.2 million Gr.3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) in February before placing third behind Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) in the HK$13 million Gr.1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m).
“That’s the surprise (continued improvement). He’s six now and it seems that the older he gets, the better he gets. You don’t see too many horses do it this way,” Yiu said.
Nimble Nimbus is rated 108 at present after beginning this season on a mark of 86. He stepped out for a barrier trial last Thursday (18 April) at Sha Tin, finishing a comfortable ninth under Andrea Atzeni, who rides him again this weekend.
“He’s stronger and tougher now that he’s older. He’s getting to a tough rating. He’s been racing in hard races, so we gave him a soft trial – just to keep him happy,” Yiu said.
Showers and thunderstorms are forecast throughout the week, including on Sunday for FWD Champions Day.
“Rain will definitely help him. It was raining the time he won by a big margin (five lengths) at the Valley,” Yiu said.
Nimble Nimbus finished fourth in the HK$5.35 million Gr.2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) last start on 7 April at Sha Tin behind Beauty Joy (Sebring).
– News from Hong Kong Jockey Club
