Waikuku To Go For Gold In Gr.1 Stewards’ Cup
Waikuku is the slick young upstart whose Gr.1 Stewards’ Cup win could confirm a new era for Hong Kong racing.
Moreira’s confidence has substance. Waikuku has finished ahead of the once indomitable two-time Horse of the Year in each of his last three races, including when winning the Gr.2 Jockey Club Mile and again when second to Japan’s Admire Mars in last month’s Gr.1 Hong Kong Mile – Beauty Generation was third both times.
Add to that a purring barrier trial over 1200m on the dirt track seven days ago and the foundation of Moreira’s faith is clear to see.
Moreira was also impressed with the John Size-trained 5yo to run in defeat behind Admire Mars in December.
This time last year, Beauty Generation was at the peak of his powers and demolished his rivals to win the Stewards’ Cup en route to compiling a 10-race win streak; Waikuku, on the other hand, had won one of only two starts in Hong Kong but was about to ascend the ratings rapidly with four straight wins and an unlucky runner-up finish in the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m).
The line-up also features Waikuku’s Hong Kong Derby conqueror, Furore, as well as the two-time SIN Gr.1 Kranji Mile winner Southern Legend and the Gr.1-placed sprinter-miler Rattan. Ka Ying Star and Citron Spirit complete the field.
Also on the 10-race card is the Gr.1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), in which champion sprinter Beat The Clock will attempt to achieve back-to-back wins.
Curated from a press release by HKJC