A tilt at Hong Kong’s most coveted prize is on the agenda for Atullibigeal after his victory in the Class 3 TVB Midlife, Sing & Shine Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Stepping up to a mile for the second time in his career, Atullibigeal raised the bar once more to score his fourth career victory and put him in line for some major feature targets.
“Definitely, the Derby will be the aim. I think he’ll run the distance and he’s got enough points there – he’s a worthy runner,” Hall said.
“I think today’s win will just about guarantee he gets a run (in the Derby). He won’t run in the (Hong Kong) Classic Cup and what path we take to get there – I am not sure of yet.
“He’s shown a lot at home – he’s loaded with raw ability and today it was a tricky draw and there was a fair bit of pressure early on which we didn’t quite expect.”
Atullibigeal captured his second triumph in Hong Kong for Hall and Bowman after arriving as a two-time winner from New Zealand.
“I had visions about riding a more positive race on him but that was taken out of my hands, so I just let him find his rhythm and he just came through his gears really well, I had a smooth passage and he let down really well,” jockey Hugh Bowman said.
“I think he’s up to better classes but he’s not quite the finished article yet but, my word, he’s taking his job really seriously and I’m really proud of him.”
Atullibigeal’s victory was one of four for Hall at Sha Tin on Sunday, including New Zealand-bred Beluga who posted his second win from five starts this prep, placing in his three other outings.
Atullibigeal was originally offered through Leanach Lodge’s 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft but failed to reach his $80,000 reserve.
He subsequently entered the care of Te Awamutu trainer Carl Henderson for whom he won two of his five starts, including the Listed Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie in his last New Zealand outing, and placed in the Listed Champagne Stakes (1600m).
Atullibigeal will be looking to extend New Zealand’s strong record in the Hong Kong Derby, with New Zealand sourced horses having won four of the last five editions of the rich feature.
