The David Hall-trained, Karis Teetan-ridden Bubble Chic (113lb) produced an assured performance to run out a cosy winner of the HKG3 Premier Plate (Handicap) over 1,800m at Sha Tin racecourse today, 30 March.
Jumping well from gate two, Hall's charge was settled in second place in the six runners field, while the John Moore-trained Same World (125lb) took the lead at a steady pace under Neil Callan. When the tempo increased approaching the home turn, Same World tried to extend his advantage, but Bubble Chic quickened up well, and after taking the lead at the 200m was kept up to his work to hold off the late challenge of race-favourite, Mr Gnocchi (113lb), winning by a comfortable three quarters of a length in a time of 1m 49.30s.
The Danny Shum-trained Mr Gnocchi, ridden by Keith Yeung, was fourth in the BMW Hong Kong Derby on his last start, and finished strongly to take second, with Same World third, a further one and a half lengths away. Top weight Packing Whiz (133lb) was unable to mount a serious challenge and finished a disappointing fifth.
Winning trainer Hall was delighted that the French import has begun to show to Hong Kong racegoers the talent that saw him finish runner-up in the G1 Prix du Jockey – the French Derby – in 2011. However, it took longer than expected to get him acclimatised and he only opened his win account when taking the Class 2 Beas River Handicap (1,800m) last December.
"With six runners this was always going to be a tactical race and I told Karis to be handy, but settle the horse where he was comfortable. I knew Bubble Chic would run well off a light weight and Karis gave him a good ride. The win today will have given the horse some confidence,” said a satisfied trainer.
Hall added: “He's a typical European horse and it took some time for him to adapt to Hong Kong. He had some setbacks in quarantine and so we missed the Derby, but I am glad that he is starting to reach the level that he should be at."
