Graham Cunningham: Furore finally downs Exultant but another rematch looms

Happy Valley takes a break this week, which means the Hong Kong spotlight switches to Sha Tin for an eight-race all-weather card. Sky Sports Racing will have all the action live from 11.15 and some of the best dirt runners in town will do battle in the finale.

Furore fires for Moreira

If at first you don't succeed, try again was the theme as Furore quickened past stablemate Exultant to win Sunday's Group 3 Ladies' Purse.

Last year's Derby winner was 0-6 against Exultant before Sunday's feature, but receiving 11lb with Joao Moreira up for the first time, he produced a decisive turn of foot to beat the Hong Kong Horse of the Year with authority.

Joao Moreira: has agreed to partner Furore next time, but is keeping his options open or the Hong Kong CupCredit: Getty Images

Moreira has agreed to partner Furore again in round seven against Exultant in the Group 2 Jockey Club Cup on November 22, where the latter will concede just 5lb.

However, the 'Magic Man' has strong connections with Japan and it was noticeable that he is keeping his options very much open for the £2.8 million Hong Kong Cup on December 13th.

Scales to tip Exultant's way next time

Exultant's Ladies' Purse figures now read 432 in the last three seasons and the signs suggest that Tony Cruz's stable star is as good as ever as he moves into his fourth Hong Kong campaign.

The six-year-old looked really well but weighed in at 40lb heavier than for his final two starts last season and there seems little doubt he will be sharper in three weeks' time.

Sha Tin Sunday results

The record reflects that Exultant dipped under the two minute mark when beating Furore by a length-and-a-quarter in last year's Jockey Club Cup. Not much has emerged since to shake up the mile-and-a-quarter division and, with this year's Derby hero Golden Sixty set to stick to a mile, logic suggests we could be in for something very similar this time around.

Badel set for a State occasion

There is a strong European feel to Wednesday's Hebe Hill Handicap at 2.50 and the freewheeling Kings Shield is bound to be popular under Zac Purton as he returns to a track and trip that suits him perfectly.

The former St James's Palace fifth can be very hard to peg back on this surface, but two French imports also warrant a positive mention.

Righteous Doctrine earned a crack at the French 2,000 Guineas in his early days. A fine effort on turf last time sets him up nicely for his dirt return, while Elusive State has six all-weather wins to his name and will be partnered by French star Alexis Badel for the first time.

Sha Tin Wednesday card

"He's a dirt specialist so I'm very happy to sit on him," said Badel. "His last two trials have been very strong and he's been working beautifully, so I hope even with top weight that he can come back to his best."

Monarch on the move

Monarch of Egypt is the latest Ballydoyle recruit to make his way to Hong Kong.

The American Pharaoh colt came within close to Royal Ascot success when second to Molatham in the Jersey Stakes and will join former stablemate and Hampton Court Stakes winner Russian Emperor with Douglas Whyte when he flies in on Saturday.

Monarch Of Egypt: Royal Ascot second set to join the yard of Douglas WhyteCredit: Patrick McCann

His seven travelling companions also includes Escape Route, who finished fourth in the Gimcrack Stakes for Richard Fahey and will continue his career for John Size.

Betting shops re-open as Covid-19 remains in check

While Britain prepares for a second lockdown, Hong Kong racing continues to make small steps on the road to normality.

Of the city's 100 betting shops, 19 opened on raceday for the first time since February on Sunday, while further relaxation in government social distancing measures increased the number allowed at a table from four to six which helped swell the Sha Tin attendance to just over 5,000.

For the record, the total number of Hong Kong Covid-19 cases during the pandemic also stands at a little over 5,000 with 105 deaths. Caution remains paramount, but if the number of new cases remains low, crowds could increase to around 8,000 for Hong Kong International Racing day on December 13th.

Bets can be placed into Hong Kong pools with the Tote, Coral and Ladbrokes. First race at Sha Tin on Wednesday is 11.15am GMT

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