Group Three Romp for Ready to Run Graduate

Previously a Group One winner in New Zealand, Karaka graduate Dances With Dragon (NZ) (Savabeel) demonstrated his black-type qualities in Hong Kong on Sunday with a blistering performance in the HK$3.25 million Group Three Premier Plate (1800m) at Sha Tin.

Bought for $230,000 by Te Akau principal David Ellis at the 2015 Ready to Run Sale, the highly talented galloper won the Group One Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham under his previous name of Hall of Fame.

Multiple victories have followed since he relocated to Hong Kong, and on Sunday he stepped up to stakes level in spectacular style.

After settling in a midfield position for jockey Keith Yeung, the six-year-old produced an explosive burst of speed late in the race. He powered clear from his seven rivals, opening up a winning margin of four and three-quarter lengths.

Dances With Dragon has won four of his six starts since joining the stable of Caspar Fownes earlier this year.

“He’s got a good spot and just sprinted away from them,” the three-time Hong Kong champion trainer said.

“It doesn’t matter what he does now, he’s proven that he’s up to that level. He’s done his job as far as I’m concerned – his first win was in Class 3 and now he’s got a Group Three at his fourth win for me, so I’m very happy.”

Dances With Dragon has now had 40 starts for 11 wins, with six of those victories coming in Hong Kong. He has earned HK$9.1 million in stakes, which is the equivalent of NZ$1.84 million – eight times his purchase price.

The 2020 Ready to Run Sale will be held at Karaka on November 18 and 19.

The third placegetter in Sunday’s race was Furore (NZ) (Pierro), who cost $210,000 at the 2016 Premier Sale and has earned more than HK$28.6 million (NZ$5.77 million).