News

Yiu makes Premier tilt at HK Sprint

4th Oct 2010

Inglis graduates are on target to build on their wonderful record in the Group 1 Hong Kong International Sprint, with the Ricky Yiu trained Sacred Kingdom and Ultra Fantasy confirming themselves as leading contenders for the 2010 renewal at the weekend.

On Sunday, ULTRA FANTASY ($30,000 2004 Premier, 8g Encosta De Lago-Belle Anglaise) became the third individual Group 1 International sprint winner emanating from the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale this calendar year, when stepping out of his famous stablemate’s shadow in winning the Group 1 Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama.

Ultra Fantasy, who was sold by Eldon Park, joins fellow Inglis graduates Silent Witness and Takeover Target as a winner of the prestigious Japanese speed test and his earnings now top $A2.5million, after starting his career in Australia.

Sacred Kingdom ($200,000 2005 Premier), a flagbearer for Premier for the past four seasons, opened the weekend on a winning note when taking the Group 3 Sha Tin Sprint Trophy on Friday night. He will now attempt to eclipse dual winners Falvelon and Silent Witness in winning the HK International Sprint for a third time.

It was Sacred Kingdom’s first start since February’s Chairman’s Sprint Prize (G1), which followed his win over Ultra Fantasy in the Centenary Sprint Cup (G1) in January.

In addition to the Yiu trained duo, Choisir’s flying son Starspangledbanner ($120,000 2008 Premier) was a global Group 1 winner for Premier this year, with his Golden Jubilee Stakes/July Cup double in the UK.

Sacred Kingdom and Ultra Fantasy are now tipped to clash in December’s G1 HK International Sprint.

In addition to Sacred Kingdom’s double, other Inglis graduates to win this race include Inspiration ($420,000 2005 Easter), Silent Witness ($55,000 2001 Classic) and inaugural winner Fairy King Prawn ($170,000 1997 Easter).