Joao Moreira

by Alan Carasso Hammered into $1.50 (2-1 on) favouritism to assume the mantle of Hong Kong's top miler, Waikuku (Ire) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) was given a ride full of finesse from jockey Joao Moreira and raced over the top of two-time defending Horse of the Year Beauty Generation (NZ) (Road to Rock {Aus}) in the dying strides for a maiden Group 1 success in Sunday's Stewards' Cup at Sha Tin. But while there very well may be a new sheriff in town, the deposed king of the hill showed that...

Top-level racing returns to Hong Kong Sunday afternoon with the G1 Stewards' Cup (1600m) and the G1 Centenary Sprint Prize (1200m) and trainer John Size and jockey Joao Moreira look to have strong claims in both of the HK$10-million events. The travails of two-time defending Horse of the Year Beauty Generation (NZ) (Road to Rock {Aus}) have been well-documented and the 7-year-old is looking to snap a three-race skid that includes latest third to Japan's Admire Mars (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}) in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile Dec. 8....

Rare is the import that can win first-up in Hong Kong in competitive Class 2 company. But if there is a conditioner on the grounds at Sha Tin capable of extracting a top effort despite that obvious obstacle, it is John Size, who sent out Glorious Days (Aus) (Hussonet) to win the 2013 G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile off a six-month absence, while 2015 Hong Kong Derby hero Luger (Aus) (Choisir {Aus}) nearly won the G1 Stewards' Cup the following January after being away from the races for nearly three-quarters...