Ensued might be contesting a race shorter than 1800m for the first time in Hong Kong on Sunday afternoon at Sha Tin, but jockey Karis Teetan is confident John Size’s lightly raced stayer can impress in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m).
Adorned in the familiar colours of owner Ada Wong, who also raced Group 2 winner Endowing with Size, Ensued has won four times in Hong Kong from 13 starts – twice over 1800m and 2000m.
His biggest scalp in the city came last November in the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin.
An American-bred son of late stallion Lemon Drop Kid, Ensued placed second behind Voyage Bubble in February’s HK$13 million Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m).
“He drops down in distance but he’s a tough horse, you know, and he trialled well last week again,” Teetan said.
“He ran great last time behind Voyage Bubble. I think he’s been running really well this season after winning the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse.”
Ensued has been remarkably reliable all campaign by finishing no worse than fourth across six runs.
Two starts ago he was third as race favourite behind Chancheng Glory in January’s HK$4.2 million Group 3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m).
Ensued is one of three Chairman’s Trophy entrants for Size along with Beauty Eternal and Red Lion.
The 70-year-old horseman has 18 wins since the beginning of February to lead the trainers’ championship on 44.
The next best rival is David Hayes (38).
“Mr Size’s stable is going well and I’m really happy with the horse (Ensued). It’s a nice lead up race into the big ones but I’m not going to go negative against him because I think he’s a horse who always gives his best,” Teetan said.
“If it’s a fast-run-race and the other horses go for it, then he’ll be off the bit and picking up, he’ll be picking up late and I think he’ll run a great race – he’s in good shape. For sure, it’s an open race (without Voyage Bubble). I’m going into the race confident in my horse.”
Ensued is entered for the HK$28 million Group 1 QEII Cup (2000m), where he could face overseas raiders Liberty Island, Tastiera, Goliath and Dubai Honour.
Chancheng Glory reopposes Ensued this Sunday.
Galaxy Patch, Moments In Time, Straight Arron, Nimble Nimbus, Sunlight Power, Happy Together, Beauty Joy, Five G Patch and La City Blanche are also entered in the Chairman’s Trophy.
Trained by Francis Lui, Chancheng Glory is also American-bred.
The five-year-old by Mor Spirit was third after attempting to make all in the Hong Kong Gold Cup.
“He’s ok. It all depends on the field, the draw, but his condition is good and he’s holding his form,” Lui said.
Hugh Bowman galloped Chancheng Glory – an earner of HK$21.15 million – on the turf at Sha Tin on Monday (24 March) in a time of 54.3s (27.8, 26.5).
Chancheng Glory is entered for the HK$24 million Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m).
Lui also saddles Copartner Prance on Sunday in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Sprint Cup (1200m) against Ka Ying Rising, California Spangle, Helios Express, Lucky With You, Magic Control and Gorgeous Win.
Copartner Prance has an entry for the HK$22 million Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on Champions Day (April 27), while Lui’s Winning Wing – a Hong Kong maiden rated 65 locally – is entered for a HK$28 million Group 1 QEII Cup (2000m) tilt.
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