New Zealand-bred gelding Sky Darci will be out to continue New Zealand’s strong association with the Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on Sunday.
New Zealand-bred or sourced horses having won four of the last five editions of the race and Sky Darci has a chance to add to that tally this weekend.
The son of Darci Brahma is the highest rated horse in the Derby and the five-time winner in Hong Kong has drawn the ace barrier for Sunday’s race.
“I’m very pleased with that draw, he needs a soft gate and I’m very happy, it’s going to give him his chance,” trainer Caspar Fownes said.
The 103-rater will be paired with championship-leading jockey Joao Moreira.
“He ran alright in the Classic Mile he was just a little bit flat but the run after that in the Classic Cup was good, it was pleasing to the eye. He definitely didn’t have a clear run at them and he was only beaten by two and a quarter lengths,” Fownes said.
“But we’ve preserved with him to give him his chance to run the trip, he’s had a great preparation for this race and he’s as fit as I can get him, he looks a treat.”
Sky Darci was purchased out of Highden Park’s 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft by Mr B Kwan for $160,000.
Highden Park has already tasted success in the Derby, with graduates Werther and Ping Hai Star winning the 2016 and 2018 editions respectively. The pair are now enjoying their retirement at the Palmerston North farm.
