Hong Kong Derby: Repeat or revenge in Nothingilikemore vs Singapore
Sling?
On Sunday, March 18, followers of the international horse racing scene enjoy the Hong Kong Derby. The historic event was first contested at Happy Valley Racecourse before taking up permanent residence at Sha Tin.
With a bumper cash prize on offer to the winner – over £2m US Dollars – the stars of the sport shine brightest. Rapper Dragon won the race last year for Australian trainer John Moore, his second trip to the winner’s enclosure in as many years, following Werther’s success the start before.
Who is in line to take Rapper Dragon’s crown in 2018? A look through the antepost at William Hill gives punters the early betting on the sport’s biggest races around the globe, offering a chance to jump the queue and grab a share of value.
Source: HKJC Racing via Twitter
Nothingilikemore is expected to be extremely popular in the run-up to the Hong Kong Derby off. The four-year-old was spotted in action at the start of the year, blowing the cobwebs away with a winning effort at Sha Tin to get the year off on the right foot. Going as an odds-on favourite in The Hong Kong Classic Mile, he lived up to the expectations of backers, beating Singapore Sling into second.
The jolly didn’t get things all his own way that day, but followers took heart from the grit shown when push came to shove at the business end of the contest. Timed to perfection by jockey Joao Moreira, the pair hit the front 1f out and launched for home, responding to land the prize, looking comfortable in doing so.
He was also in the money last March when taking the Geranium Handicap over seven furlongs at Sha Tin, again starting off a short price. Offered at 1/5, Nothingilikemore found plenty in reserve when he needed it, runner-up Happy Agility getting nowhere near the upset. The stats make him the most likely winner of this year’s race, but backers will have their work cut out if they are to get a decent price on the star.
Source: HKJC Racing via Twitter
Exultant is expected to rate as the main danger, but he didn’t get off to the perfect start this year, ending down the rankings of that Hong Kong Classic Mile. Is he able to gain revenge when it matters most? There was nothing about his fourth-place finish in the Mile that would suggest so, but excuses can be made for the bare result.
Competing under the ride of Zac Purton, not a lot went right from the get-go, held up in rear before laying down his challenge with a familiar late sprint. Found plenty in the final furlong when he needed it, but the challenge looked to have come too late and, against an opponent of the winner’s calibre, they couldn’t expect any favours. Was put in his place that day and the result may leave a sour taste in the mouth of those looking for a bigger price selection.
Another former foe who looks to take the favourite down a peg or two is Singapore Sling. A popular winner of the Chai Wan Kok Handicap at Happy Valley over Christmas, he nicked it from Beauty Prince, coming from the middle of the pack to storm to gold in the closing stages. A strong finish, his timing will have to be impeccable again here if he’s to turn the tables and avenge that defeat in the Classic Mile.
Chad Schofield laid down a marker from the off, looking to pull more fancied runners out of their comfort zone before they had a chance to settle. A wise move, but the plan unravelled in the final strides. Connections can take pride in the fact he was chasing the victor all the way home and they’ll fancy him to do the same again. Having learned from that race, and with a bit more fitness on side, Singapore Sling will aim to go one better vs Nothingilikemore.