Blazing Speed was a convincing winner of the feature Audemars Piguet QEII Cup at Sha Tin today. Given a great ride by Neil Callan from gate eight, the son of Dylan Thomas always looked a threat in running. Callan has often said how important it is to have Blazing Speed relaxed and within himself in his races, and today it worked out that way. He drifted across from his widish draw and couldn’t have had a better run, settling mid-field with cover.

Criterion from his inside draw dropped in just behind leader Same World, but never seemed truly settled under Craig Williams. He stuck on well for third, with none of the others in the leading group featuring in the placings. Second place getter Staphanos also came from midfield, but had to make his run inside horses. None of the place getters looked a threat to Blazing Speed however, with the margin a comfortable two lengths.

Designs On Rome settled well back as is customary and battled on well for fourth. Perhaps the trip to Dubai took its toll, as he never looked like he was going to make up the ground on the winner. You could have thrown a blanket across those finishing second through to sixth. Packing Llaregyb looked very much at home in top company finishing just behind Designs On Rome, having been alongside him for much of the race.

Jockey Neil Callan loves a win and gave a customary salute to his fans at Sha Tin. He’s had some good wins while stationed in Hong Kong, but this was no doubt the biggest to date.