Universal Go Go (NZ) (Azamour) proved to be an admirably consistent galloper in Hong Kong last term, winning two races under Vincent Ho and bagging five minor placings too. The Francis Lui-trained five-year-old steps out for the first time this term in the Class 3 High Island Handicap (1650m) on Wednesday at Happy Valley.
Ho, who sits on five wins for the season, was in the plate for a recent barrier trial and has also done plenty of fast work aboard his reliable ally.
“He felt ok, quite fit,” the rider said. “He trialled ok but he sort of stumbled out the gate so I let him find his rhythm first and then at the last bit I asked him and he still stretched out nice. He’s been galloping quite nicely as well, together with some horses, and he seems good.
“He’s fit but the draw is difficult, draw 10,” he continued. “But he’s quite fast out the gate so hopefully he can still get a good position. He got beat by good horses in Class 3 so I don’t doubt his ability. At this rating (64) he’s still good.”
Universal Go Go was sold as a weanling out of Brighthill Farm’s 2015 New Zealand Bloodstock May Sale draft.
