Monday, 20 February 2012: Gary Moore's UK import Absolutely Win staked his claim for Derby honors with a strong win in the Perak Turf Club Goodwill Cup over 1200 metres at Taipa on Saturday.
Ridden by Brazilian jockey Fausto Durso, Absolutely Win was having his first run in the enclave and did a fine job after walking out of gates early.
The son of Oasis Dream picked up the steel by the eight hundred and was travelling like the winner approaching the corner.
Once in the straight the gelding gathered the leaders in smartly to win well under hands and heels riding in a time that was only two ticks slower then the Class 1.
Moore purchased Absolutely Win specifically with the Derby in mind for owner Francis Yip at the Newmarket Horses in Training Sale last October.
The four year gelding was knocked down to Moore for 110,000 Guineas who bought him on the strength of a big win at Leicester over 1400 metres, and two second placings including one at Newmarket from only three starts.
“At first I was a bit skeptical in buying an Oasis Dream as they don't usually stay but his mother won over 11 furlongs and I liked his win and the way that he fought on at Newmarket when second.” Moore said.
“We kept him in work while he was in quarantine in the U K as we don't have much time to get him ready for the Derby.”
“He's a good type with a lovely laid back disposition and he has a great turn of foot when needed.”
Moore has mapped out an ambitious plan for Absolutely Win who will not run again until March 24th.
“He will run in a 70 to 90 contest over 1400 metres turf and then straight into the Derby.”
“The English horse's race well kept a bit fresh, my brother John has had tremendous success with them in Hong Kong that way.”
Moore received an added bonus to the day when stable's former star performer Viva Pronto bounced back to form with an all the way win under Louis Corrales in the Class 1 over 1200 metres.
Viva Pronto had not won since March of last year and has been plagued with hoof problems and Moore admitted after the win that he was not confident prior to the race.
“He has had hoof problems which we have rectified but he had a very light prep and I really thought he would be in need of the run.”
“He has been a wonderful horse and I will now take him back to Shatin for the Hong Kong – Macau Trophy next month.”
Viva Pronto led throughout with 130 pounds to win the 2010 running of the Hong Kong – Macau Trophy at Shatin under Fausto Durso at huge odds.
The win by Viva Pronto gave Louis Corrales a winning double for the day having won on Peter Leyshan's Okikoki early in the afternoon, but the weekend belonged to Fausto Durso with four winners over the two days racing.
Durso landed a three timer on Friday nights sand card with Bello (Class 5), Let Me Run (Class 3) and Southern Luckystar in the Class 2 & 3.
With the absence of Manoel Nunes who is sidelined with a fractured ankle, Durso has been making merry and now has three win lead on 32 over Nunes and Stanley Chin on 29.
* PATRICK Lee's debut runner Speedy Leo lived up to his name when he upstaged his more fancied rivals with an all the way win in the Listed Lisboa Prelude over 1100 metres an Saturday.
Ridden by Tiago Pereira, Speedy Leo stepped away only fairly off the inside but quickly mustered speed to lead on settling. The three year kicked nicely off the home turn and whilst still displaying some greenness in the run home found plenty to beat race favorite Lucky And Wealthy (Stanley Chin) with Smilin Happy (Peter Ho) in third.
Speedy Leo is by the Australian Blue Diamond (Gr1) winner Nadeem from the handy producer Leonina by Snippets.
Patrick Lee purchased the grey gelding for $52,500 Aud. at the 2010 Magic Millions Summer Sale for owner Mr. Lok Ho Ting who raced Lee's star sand galloper Good Control.
Speedy Leo had shown some ability in track-work and trials but was pretty much unwanted in betting to start at 35/1.
At Friday night's sand meeting Lee's smart sprinter Southern Luckystar returned to the race track victorious after seven month absence to win the Class 2 & 3 over 1050 metres.
Confidently bet to start at 3/1 Southern Luckystar an impressive big son of Dubleo (USA) overcame gate 11 to power home for a good win over The Love Guru (Steven Choi) and August Star (Rambo Tse).
The four year old gelding is putting together an impressive record with four wins and two placings from his eight career starts.
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