Hong Kong Derby winner working towards Lion Rock Trophy Handicap.
Hong Kong Derby (Listed, 2000m) winner Sky Darci (Darci Brahma) tuned up for his run in the Lion Rock Trophy Handicap (Gr 3, 1600m) on May 30 with a trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday.
The son of Darci Brahma (Danehill) crossed the line third in his barrier trial, finishing behind unbeaten gelding Winner Method (Deep Field), who clocked 57.61 seconds down the 1000 metre straight, while Californiadeepshot (Deep Field) filled second spot.
Much to the delight of jockey Joao Moreira, the New Zealand-bred broke cleanly and was steadily eased to the rear before meandering through the field with a bit of swagger.
"He was fine, he just went out for a piece of exercise among horses, he jumped brilliantly as usual, he relaxed nicely and he came through the field travelling on the bridle, he was only out there for an exercise, not to be tested and he's done it very well," Moreira said.
"I think the break was what he deserved anyway because he has done an amazing job throughout the season, he's won four races including the Derby."
A winner of six of his 12 starts, including the Chevalier Cup Handicap (1600m), while he also finished second in the Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (Gr 3, 1400m) on New Year's day.
"I'm booked if he's running because it's still not 100 per cent if he will run, if he keeps going the way he is at the moment then I think we should be running at the end of the month and I should be on him," Moreira said.
