Waikuku a rising star in Hong Kong as Beauty Generation stutters again

For the second time in a row Beauty Generation was made to look ordinary, with trainer John Moore admitting the seven-time Group 1 winner was not finding his usual kick.

Defeat this time, in the Group 2 Jockey Club Mile, was inflicted by the highly progressive Waikuku. Formerly trained by John Oxx, the four-year-old finished third to Moore's pride and joy in October but reversed that form comprehensively when showing a promising turn of foot.

Winning rider Joao Moreira said: “It was a surprise but it was a good surprise! When we were turning for home Ka Ying Star wasn’t giving ground. He was holding me in and I was forced to hold and hope the gap would come inside the leader, Beauty Generation.

“Once it came, my horse was full-on; he just went for it and didn't hesitate to go through. Good horses do it, they go through small gaps, and he has proven himself.”

It was a fifth victory in Hong Kong for the son of Harbour Watch and winning trainer John Size and Moreira agreed all roads would lead to the Hong Kong Mile on December 8.

Size said: “My horse has been consistent. He’s made small improvement every time he’s raced and he’s still got some in him. It’ll be a tougher race in December, so he’ll have to improve again to win it."

Beauty Generation, who previously notched a ten-race winning run, took up the early lead but had no response to the winner's burst up the rail.

Moore said: “He stayed off the fence in the back straight, then came back in and Zac [Purton] said he felt comfortable; he was happy with how he got there. He thought on the corner he would let down and really kick hard, but he didn't.

“Zac said don't worry about that run. He said we just need to tweak something to make sure on the big day that he’ll kick. We just need to find out what because he’s not finding that usual kick. Today was a repeat of what he did when he was beaten on his second start.”

Exultant shows his class

Exultant (leading): strikes in the Jockey Club CupCredit: Hong Kong Racing Club

Exultant demonstrated why he is the leading middle-distance horse in Hong Kong when running out an easy winner of the Jockey Club Cup.

Under Purton, the five-year-old was settled in third behind the pace-setting Eagle Way, before being switched out to hit the front in the home straight.

Furore, the Hong Kong Derby winner in March, could never land a blow in second, while Southern Legend finished a further length and a quarter away in third.

Winning trainer Tony Cruz said: "Everything has gone smoothly this season. I’m very happy with his condition and he seems to be a better horse this year."

Aethero also announced his top-level credentials to the world when powering clear in the Jockey Club Sprint, lessening the blow for Moore after Beauty Generation's defeat.

Winning rider Karis Teetan said: "It was unbelievable. The day I trialled him, he gave me the feel of a real champion. I rode Able Friend and this horse reminds me so much of him."

The meeting at Sha Tin passed without issue after the cancellation of the card at Happy Valley last Wednesday due to safety concerns over continuing political unrest in Hong Kong.

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