David Eustace is looking for Seraph Gabriel to serve up the perfect Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) aperitif when he bids to shed his local maiden in the Class Three Red Packet Handicap (2,000m) at Sha Tin on Thursday.
The Saxon Warrior galloper was a one-time winner in the UK pre-import at Lingfield and also posted a huge effort to finish second in the Class Two Golden Gates Handicap (1,993m) at Royal Ascot on his final British start.
He has subsequently taken well to racing in Hong Kong, finishing an unlucky 11th on his local debut before a huge run when a neck second to the prolific Lucky Sam Gor at Sha Tin on February 1.
Entered in the Derby on March 22, Eustace has his sights firmly set on the city’s most coveted race and he believes the step up to 2,000m should bring out the best in his four-year-old.
“His last run was excellent and he was probably just a bit complacent in front,” said Eustace of his 79-rated colt. “He’s still a colt and looked to have kicked and won the race, but he was just run down by a very good horse.
“He’s improving all the time and there was a lot of merit in that run. He goes up to 2,000m, which he’s proven at in the UK, and I’m sure he’ll see it out fine in Hong Kong too.
“I just felt the Classic Mile and the hustle and bustle of that race would have come too soon for him. I thought I’d rather get a couple of runs into him and just go to the one race in the series.”
Eustace will also unleash Helene Supafeeling in the first section of the Class Three Yue Yee Handicap (1,200m) and he is hopeful a drop back in trip will work the oracle.
Once considered a hope for the Classic Mile, the British import was a winner on Hong Kong debut over Thursday’s course and distance, before racing too keenly over 1,400m on his most recent outing.
Although the mile will be in his wheelhouse in time, Eustace thinks his best lies over the sprinting distance for now.
“We tried him up in trip and gave him that opportunity to look suitable for the Classic Mile – he will stay the distance, but he’s probably not relaxing well enough yet to see it out,” said Eustace.
“He’s back to 1,200m and that should suit him; I’m looking forward to getting him back out. He’s definitely got improvement and more races in him; he just needs to relax and that’s the main thing.
“We’ve done a lot of work to help him settle and the pace of the 1,200m here should suit him better. Hopefully he can switch off and go through the gears smoothly.”
Another of Eustace’s Thursday chances is Riding Together, who tackles the Class Three Kut Cheong Handicap (1,400m) as he looks to supplement a win gained three starts ago.
Dylan Browne McMonagle takes the ride on the consistent five-year-old, but he will need to overcome barrier 13 if he is to win his third race in Hong Kong.
“He’s a very solid horse and rarely runs a bad race. Hopefully he can put in another consistent performance again as he’s certainly in great nick at home,” said Eustace.
