Full Of Beauty (Darci Brahma) made it five wins on the bounce to give trainer John Size and his stable jockey Joao Moreira a win which may offer a pinch of mild consolation for a near-miss in the BMW Hong Kong Derby this afternoon at Sha Tin Racecourse (Sunday).
“He’s a fantastic horse. He has progressed since the last time I was on board because he’s been coping with every situation he’s been put into,” Moreira said after partnering the four-year-old to a three-quarter-length success in the Class 2 Ambitious Dragon Handicap (1200m).
The Darci Brahma four-year-old overcame an outer draw (10) and an 11-point ratings rise to hold off Water Diviner. The manner of the win was pleasing, rather than flash, and again suggested a bright future in the higher grades.
“It’s very hard to predict where he’ll end up but we can see him picking up and he’s likely to be – in a few months’ time – matching the big guys,” the Brazilian said.
Full Of Beauty’s five wins have been accrued in only 11 weeks since his career debut on 1 January.
“He’s been winning every time he’s been going out so I don’t know that he needs a break,” Moreira said, “but at the same time I wouldn’t be surprised if John Size decides to put him away for a couple of months and brings him back fully for next season. Whatever Size thinks is best, I’m siding with him; he’s a master at judging when a horse is begging for some time off.”
Darci Brahma three-year-old, Mr Croissant, provided the first leg of a Ryan Moore double when landing the Class 4 Fay Fay Handicap (1200m) for trainer Chris So.
“He’s a very good horse with a good temperament – very easy to train. He showed his ability last time so I was just worried about the tricky draw and Frankie Lor’s horse, Flying Victory, he trialled really good,” So said.
“He had a little bit of rating in hand so I hope he can still win in Class 3.”
Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday, 20 March.
Mr Croissant was bred by The Oaks Stud, and is a half brother to Group 1 winner Sakhee’s Soldier. Mr Croissant was sold through The Oaks Stud’s 2017 Premier draft for $105,000 and was purchased by Cambridge trainer Shaune Ritchie.
-Hong Kong Jockey Club
