All For St Paul’s (120lb) delivered a stunning blow against a quality field in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Hebe Hill Handicap (1650m) at Sha Tin.
Sent to his customary leading position by jockey Matthew Poon, a tenacious All For St Paul’s routed the opposition to grab an eighth Hong Kong win and third in the grade, lifting his all-time earnings to HK$11.973 million from 42 starts for trainer Frankie Lor.
“He’s a seven-year-old! I have to give him such big credit, he tries very hard and most of the time he always tries very hard for me. He’s a lovely horse, I love him and today I was a little bit surprised he could win,” Poon said.
The winning time of the race was 1m 38.01s. The Magnus gelding – after stepping away from gate one – was well supported late into 12/1 odds and finished two lengths ahead of Chancheng Prince (130lb), while Rise Brethren (123lb) crossed the line in third place.
Chancheng Prince initially levelled up to All For St Paul’s in the straight, however, couldn’t match his finishing burst as Poon collected a fourth win aboard his mount.
“He’s consistent, honest and I love him and I think he also loves me. I’m happy to win a Class 2 – he’s amazing. He’s funny, sometimes he jumps very fast and sometimes he just jumps ok, most of the time he jumps fast which means he’s feeling well. He gave me good confidence, even at his age and he still looks strong and fit,” Poon said.
The win was Poon’s second this term, while Lor collected his 11th. Lor also saddled Everyone’s Delight (123lb) and Youthful Deal (126lb) in the race to finish seventh and eighth, respectively.
“He’s (All For St Paul’s) very consistent, sometimes when he goes in front and leads by himself – he can do amazing things,” Lor said.
Handsome Twelve (124lb) faded to the rear, while Apache Pass (126lb), True Legend (118lb) and Spirited Express (129lb) failed to make an impact.
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