Golden run for Sixty continues after sweeping Classic series with Derby success

Golden Sixty became just the second horse in Hong Kong history to sweep the four-year-old Classic series, coming with a powerful late run up the centre of the track to just get up in the Derby and add the season's most prestigious prize to his victories in the Classic Mile and Classic Cup.

The rising star of Hong Kong racing emulated the brilliant Rapper Dragon, who was the first to win all three legs in 2017.

Vincent Ho settled the superstar towards the rear and had to come widest round the home bend when running down the enterprisingly-ridden outsider Playa Del Puente — who made a move from last to first on the home bend under Blake Shinn — in the final strides for a sensational victory in the BMW-sponsored HK$20million (£1,934,236/€2,093,541.08) race over 1m2f.

The Francis Lui-trained odds-on favourite, a winner of ten of his 11 starts, gave his many supporters more than a moment's discomfort by leaving it so late.

Settled towards the rear alongside last year's Irish 2,000 Guineas third Decrypt and the former John Gosden-trained Private Secretary, Ho remained ice-cool as the pair travelled wide into the home straight. The son of Medaglia d'Oro was clearly full of running and showed a potent turn of foot to catch Playa Del Puente at the line.

The delighted winning rider said: "The horse was really fit. It's difficult to come from behind and sprint home like that. He's a superstar for sure.

When asked if he was worried with the outsider being so far ahead, Ho added: "I wasn't too worried. I know he can produce a really good turn of foot and he relaxed well during the race."

Stablemate More Than This, second to Golden Sixty in the Hong Kong Mile, was among the places again for third, while 50-1 chance Savvy Nine finished fourth.

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com