The first of the G1 races on the day always appeared to lack pace, and as the race evolved that scenario became evident quickly. I wouldn’t have thought that too many speed maps had Rattan as a leader, but Chad Schofield evaluated the situation pretty quickly and had his galloper at the front off only a steady tempo.

With Rattan and Little Giant beginning well, Joao Moreira was able to settle Beat The Clock into the perfect trail in the nine runner field. The steady pace didn’t suit race favourite Santa Ana Lane who was parked well off the speed by Hugh Bowman. As they turned for home, Bowman peeled his mount wide, but both Rattan and Beat The Clock had plenty to give. The favourite would have had to run impossible sectionals to reel in the front runners. He ran the quickest last 800m/400m of the race , but to no avail.

Beat The Clock has finished in the first three at all of his twenty one starts and yesterday was his second success at G1 level. Trainer John Size on his star “He is a joy to take to the races, that’s for sure, because he’s so consistent and such a willing participant. He’s come strong at five years of age and it should be his best season and he’s done that, he’s delivered with his two Group Ones.” That is likely the season done for Beat The Clock “That’ll be enough for him. He’s done a good job and I don’t think he’ll have another run. The warm weather will come now and I think he’s better off not working at that time,” Size said.

Of the beaten favourite trainer Anthony Freedman said “He was probably off his game a little bit today so we’ll get home and regroup. They didn’t go a really good gallop, which didn’t suit us – he was a little disappointing.”

Jockey Hugh Bowman added  “Well I don’t think we saw the best of him but take nothing away from the winner, he was too good today.”

Second placed Ratten’s jockey Chad Schofield said: “We were in front which was a first for him but he travelled sweetly and controlled the race. He showed an extremely good turn-of-foot but a better horse won on the day.”

• 

• 

• 

• 

You can watch the race here.

Thanks to the Hong Kong Jockey Club team for quotes.