It was Darren Beadman who got the victory for the John Moore trained Xtension last year and this year it was the task of young NZ Jockey James McDonald to get the 2012 win.
Photo by Whistlejacket
It has always been difficult for the overseas horses to outdo the locals in this race and this proved to be the case again this year, with the Hong Kong runners filling the first five places. Despite John Moore's reservations about Xtension following his trip to Dubai, this is his race and he wasn't going to be denied despite the thrilling challenge put up by Felix Coetzee on Glorious Days. Lucky Nine was third and Ambitious Dragon a gallant fourth, with the veteran Able One not disgraced in fifth - he was in the lead coming into the straight.
African Story was the best of the overseas runners followed closely by Musir. Cityscape was disappointing in 10th and King's Rose was wide all the way to finish 11th.
Earlier the Queen Mother Memorial Cup G3 also went to John Moore with a very nice win from Dominant. He looks to be a promising horse and will head to the Champions and Chater, and may have further travel plans should all go well. Liberator who finished second also looks to be a horse with a future.
