Global Weekly Review: Rapper puts Moore on course for sixth HK Derby

One of the oldest traditions in Hong Kong racing is for the owner of the local Derby winner to throw a big party for friends and rivals to celebrate the occasion.

The Hong Kong Derby was inaugurated at Happy Valley in 1873, and the parties, it seems, have become progressively more lavish and impressive as the years have rolled by.

By my reckoning, we are due to witness one of the most spectacular parties in the modern era if John Moore happens to train the winner this year. And, he has an arsenal of talent to give himself every chance of doing so.

Moore, 66, is almost certainly the longest-serving license holder with the Hong Kong Jockey Club. He started as an amateur jockey in 1969, then joined the paid riding ranks when racing went professional there in 1971, and after his father George retired in 1985, he then started his highly-successful training career.

Rapper Dragon, who consolidated his place at the top of the 2017 Derby short list with victory in Sunday's Hong Kong Classic Mile at Sha Tin, is typical of the type of horse Moore has purchased aboard over the past decade.

A son of Street Boss, the Darley stallion by outstanding Street Cry, he was good enough to finish second to Pasadena Girl in the G1 Champagne Stakes at Randwick, in one of only two starts for Gai Waterhouse in Sydney.

Since joining Moore in Hong Kong, he has undergone a name change (he raced as Street Rapper in Australia) but he has retained all his ability and looks destined to be a star in his adopted country.

The big question is whether he will stay the 2000m Derby distance. On Sunday's performance, he should - he went to the line full of running. Next target will be next month's Classic Cup, over 1800m, with the Derby in March.

Jockey Joao Moreira commented: "He seems like something special. I was always comfortable all the way through the race.

"The way he won, you wouldn't doubt he would step up to 1800m at the top level, and I also believe he will get 2000m," he added.

Seasons Bloom made up ground for second, with Beauty Generation in third.

Two other important notes from the Classic Mile - Pakistan Star was ridden much closer the speed and finished a creditable fifth, and Eagle Way, a Queensland Derby winner, finished strongly for sixth with an eye-catching run.

In New Zealand, the stage is set for a week of preparation prior to the country's top yearling sale, at Karaka, just outside Auckland.

On the racing front, Signify landed the G1 Telegraph Handicap at Trentham, Wellington, by a nose from Start Wondering, with a half-length back to Perfect Fit in third. Only three lengths covered the first nine across the line.