When fields were released for the Longines Hong Kong Cup, there was genuine excitement about the inclusion of Japanese runner A Shin Hikari. While he had built a good record, he was not Group 1 winner, however his bold front running style would add genuine speed to a race that can often be devoid of it. So while most did not see him as a genuine winning chance they were happy to see him there.

Once he’d drawn a wide gate that made the pace scenario all the better. Noted back runners like defending champion Designs On Rome knew they would get their chance to run into the race late. Others that were expected to enjoy the tempo included Dermott Weld’s well performed Free Eagle and local hopes Blazing Speed and Military Attack.

That was the script anyway.

As anticipated legendary jockey Yutaka Take drove A Shin Hikari from the gates and by the winning post first time he was passing Dan Excel to settle in front. As they turned and hit the back straight, Take did not ease his mount, instead letting him run freely. He was carving out some serious sectionals, after the first 400m (26.17) he ran 23.47, 23.75 and 23.59 for the next three 400m splits. The result of that was seeing the field stretched out over nearly 20 lengths down the back straight. Surely he had to stop?

As they cornered Dan Excel, Free Eagle and Blazing Speed launched challenges and at one stage early in the straight looked like they might bridge the gap. It only looked that way briefly though, A Shin Hikari didn’t stop and was able to on hold from from fast finishing Nuovo Record for a Japanese quinella.

Take commented after the race “The horse was in very good condition so I had much confidence going into the race. The horse sometimes has a difficult temperament, but he’s in good form so I thought he had a very good chance. Traveling to Hong Kong will be very suitable for him in the future.” Of seond place getter, Nuovo Record, Ryan Moore said “Very pleased with her, she ran a cracker. The other one was just too good on the day. She came here with a rating of 112 and that’s just wrong. She was underrated.” Ryan thinks they’re all underrated it appears.

Blazing Speed held on well for third placing. Jockey Neil Callan said “He got a nice position and I was happy where I was because if I’d had to lay up any closer I’d have been pushing him. For Blazing Speed to have to be niggled along – the pace was pretty strong. He was well-balanced, he went into a nice rhythm and when I came off the corner I thought the race was mine for the taking. I was waiting for the one to stop in front but it actually went a length again, so fair dos to the winner. But my horse has run an incredible race.” Designs On Rome was a fast finishing forth for Jo Moreira who said “I was very happy with the horse’s run. They went a very strong pace and he tends to get back early and was well back again but finished very strongly. I was delighted with his effort.”

Of the Australian trained horses Lucia Valentina ran very well. After settling well back in the field, she finished strongly for fifth. Damien Oliver said “She ran enormous. I reckon she’d have won eight out of 10 Group 1 races in Australia on that performance.” Criterion was well out of it and disappointing after missing the start.

I’ve gained a very small insight into the super star status of jockey Yutaka Take. Pre-race and afterwards the Japanese fans on track couldn’t get enough of him. He took the time after the race to sign all the autographs requested of him and posed for photos as well. No wonder racing in Japan thrives, when participants are as reachable as this. I have to get there!

You can watch A Shin Hikari’s stunning performance here.