Huge Day For Kiwis in Hong Kong

New Zealand bred-horses performed with distinction at Sha Tin yesterday, taking out both feature races as well as five other races on the ten-race card.

Having just his first start, the Michael Chang-trained three-year-old Master Elite (Van Nistelrooy x Pageant by Oregon) performed impressively to head a Kiwi-bred trifecta that included Home Treasure (Shinko King x The Gifted Shifta by Defensive Play) and Silver Blaze (Don Eduardo x Straight Lane by Straight Strike) in the Class 1 Juvenile Sprint Trophy (1200m).

Michael Chang Racing purchased Master Elite from his breeders, Fairdale Stud, at the 2007 Karaka Premier Sale for NZ$90,000 and he is now raced by owner Chan Chau Fai. Master Elite is a half-brother to Listen Pal (Tale of the Cat) who was third in the Group 3 BTC Doomben Classic and is from the family of the outstanding filly Miltak (McGinty).

Also lightly tried, Home Treasure was having just his second start after winning effortlessly on debut a month ago for Almond Lee, while Silver Blaze won on debut two starts ago for Dennis Yip.

Halo Farm's Stuart Munro bid to NZ$50,000 at the 2006 Karaka Select Sale and pinhooked Silver Blaze to the 2006 Ready to Run Sale where he sold for NZ$120,000 to Magus Equine.

Later in the day Skyview Bar (Centaine x Rock the Kasbar by Straight Strike) sustained a strong run home to win the Class 1 HKJC Community Trophy (1200m) by three-quarters-of-a-length for owner George Lee Yuk Fai. The Almond Lee-trained five-year-old is now the winner of seven with six placings from 28 starts for HK$5,204,600.

Skyview Bar was purchased by Queensland bloodstock agent, John Foote, at the 2004 Karaka Select Sale for NZ$45,000 from his breeders Grand Vue Lodge.

Making up the total of seven New Zealand winners on the card were Majestic Heart (Pentire x Snuff by Deputy Governor), Leader (Hunza Court x The Duchess by Prince Ferdinand), Bravo Bravo (New Trumps x Whats The Verdict by Classic Fame), Conqueror (Woodborough x Britney's Way by Star Way) and Diamond Brilliance (Danasinga x Kohinoor by Bigstone).