By Alan Carasso
by Alan Carasso
A trio of 100-plus rated 4-year-old heads to the post for Monday's first leg of the Classic series in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Classic Mile.
Two of those have already achieved the rare feat of defeating more seasoned gallopers at group level, including the very progressive Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro). One of a pair of entrants from the on-fire Francis Lui yard, the gelded son of Gaudeamus (Distorted Humor) has won eight from nine, including a commanding two-length tally in the G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup H. (1400m) on New Year's Day, where he had Champion's Way (Aus) (Hinchinbrook {Aus}) some 2 1/2 lengths back in third. Lui also sends out the longer-winded More Than This (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}), who exits a very tough win over the course and distance in the international day finale Dec. 8. Ryan Moore jets in from Miami for the ride.
Champion's Way (rated 108) was the cat's meow at three, winning six of his seven starts capped by a defeat of last year's Classic Mile third Ka Ying Star (GB) (Cityscape {GB}) in the G3 Lion Rock Trophy H. in June. The same race was won a few years back by future Classic series sweeper Rapper Dragon (Aus) (Street Boss). Champion's Way was average in his first- and second-up runs, but was back to something approaching his best last time out.
Beauty Legacy (Aus) (Fiorente {Ger}) figures to improve as the distances get longer and he opened many eyes when skimming the rails en route to success in his Hong Kong debut in Class 2 over 1400 metres Jan. 5. He was raised eight points to an even 100 and Joao Moreira sees fit to stick around.
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