News

An improving ‘Flagship’ shines in the Panasonic Cup

11th Nov 2013

Hong Kong Jockey Club - Saturday, 9 November 2013

The John Moore-trained Flagship Shine, under Joao Moreira, overcame top weight (132lbs) and a wide draw in stall 13 to claim the Class 1 Panasonic Cup (Handicap) over 1400m at Sha Tin today, 9 November, in impressive style.

Panasonic and the Shun Hing Group are the longest-serving commercial supporters of Hong Kong racing, with this year marking the 30th anniversary of the race.

Moore said his “star in making” will be aimed at the HKG1 Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), staged on 19 January 2014.

“He came out pretty quick early and the jockey (Moreira) just let him relax. He was prepared to drop him back a little early but he broke well so didn’t need to do much to get him settled. When Joao asked him for an effort, Flagship Shine quickened like a really good horse,” said the trainer.

Having finished sixth to Blazing Speed in the Class 1 Chinese Recreation Club Challenge Cup (Handicap) over 1600m on his seasonal debut, the four-year-old Tale Of The Cat gelding had improved for the run and this convincing victory delighted his trainer.

Moore added: “He will have another run at 1400m on 8 December then we will be looking at the Classic Mile. He will definitely stay a mile and I am not worried about that.

“I always expected this horse to progress and he’s done everything right. I would say he’s a star in making and the owner is going to have a lot of fun.”

After stalking the pace in eighth position, Flagship Shine gradually quickened while approaching the home straight and he showed a good turn of foot to win in a time of 1m21.54s, holding off the late challenge of Noble Alpha (129lbs), to win by half a length while stablemate Flash Knight (129lbs) made up ground to take third, another half a length away.

Seven-time Hong Kong Champion Trainer John Size also had a fabulous Saturday, securing a four-timer with Silly Buddies, Brave Brother, Sichuan Exec and Little Men. With his winning quartet, Size also attained to the top of the trainer’s premiership with 15 wins.

*Flagship Shine (Tale Of The Cat x Dixie Paradise) was a $180,000 purchase by George Moore Bloodstock from the draft of Bendaree Park at the 2011 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale