Joao Moreira has unshakeable faith in Sky Darci’s (NZ) (Darci Brahma) ability to cope with various contingencies as the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) winner resumes in the Gr.3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Facing eight quality rivals in the first Group race of the 2021/22 Hong Kong season, Moreira suspects Sky Darci’s premium distance is 1600m but is trading on the five-year-old’s versatility and competitive nature to hold sway.
“He’s trialled not so long ago (14 September) and he gave me such a good feel. I think things are looking good to go back to the races,” the Brazilian said. “I don’t mind about the distance at all – he has won at 1200, 1400, a mile and 2000 – so he seems to be a versatile horse.
“Even though 1400 might not be his best distance, he’s got a fresh pair of legs at the moment, so I think he’s going to deliver his best – I think he’s going to do very well this season. He’s one of those horses you get very excited about.”
While Sky Darci’s seasonal return will occupy much of Moreira’s energies on Sunday, the four-time champion jockey is also focused heavily on Killer Bee’s (NZ) (Savabeel) clash with Naboo Attack (Warhead) in the Class 2 Cheung Hong Handicap (1200m).
Ideally drawn in gate five, Killer Bee will receive 11lb from the hulking Naboo Attack (133lb), who starts from gate nine for Zac Purton.
“He (Naboo Attack) should be the favourite and he’s going to have to sweat blood to beat Killer Bee. Killer Bee is a good horse as well. I’m glad to be sitting on one of the best horses,” Moreira said.
“He’s a horse that’s shown a lot of ability. All of the things he did last season, gets us very excited.
“His preparation has been good. He’s more mature than last season. He’s pretty fit to go back to the races and I would be very, very surprised if he goes there and runs a bad race.
Frankie Lor will parade a pair of New Zealand imports – Ready To Win (NZ) (Tavistock) and Five Elements (NZ) (Telperion) – on the programme undercard.
Ready To Win, who raced in NZ as Wononeohwon, contests the Class 3 Fuk Loi Handicap (1200m, dirt) under Matthew Poon.
“He’s looks quite good and he trialled quite good on the dirt. He can be a little bit keen, so 1200 (metres) at this moment is good for him. He’s got a good draw, he can follow the pace. I hope he can have a good result,” Lor said.
Five Elements, who won at Group Two level when known as Stormy for Tony Pike in New Zealand, will be partnered by Moreira in the Class 3 Fu Tai Handicap (1200m) after being allowed to slowly acclimatise by Lor.
“This horse when he came to Hong Kong was only two-year-old. This season he is better. I think he has got ability, we can know after Sunday,” the trainer said.
