Teofilo pushing back the frontiers in Far East

Despite the incredible development of Hong Kong racing since it went professional in 1971, still the most coveted race in this unique Chinese territory is the G1 Derby, run on Sunday at Sha Tin, with prizemoney totalling US$2.29m.

There have been many new races added to the local calendar, most notably the International card that takes place every December, but all owners will tell you the Hong Kong Derby is the one that really counts.

Tradition dictates the owner of the Derby throw a lavish party in the weeks following the triumph, and with ‘face’ being of the utmost importance, the parties seem to get bigger and more extravagant every year.

The successful Darley stallion Teofilo, who continues to make an impact in both hemispheres, now has an opportunity to win new admirers in the Far East, courtesy of the Tony Cruz-trained Exultant in the latest edition of the Derby this Sunday.

Exultant formerly raced as Irishcorrespondent when trained on the Curragh by Michael Halford. In Halford’s care, the son of Teofilo finished third to Churchill in the G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas before putting up another decent performance at Royal Ascot.

He was soon snapped up by Cruz, who shipped him to Hong Kong and then started preparing him for the Derby.

Exultant caught the eye when flashing home from back in the field for second in the Hong Kong Classic Cup at Sha Tin last month, a race that appears as good a pointer as any to this year’s Derby.

The winner of the Classic Cup, Singapore Sling, reopposes, as do The Golden Age (third), Nothingilikemore (fourth), as well as G1 Racing Post Trophy winner Rivet.

With a maximum field of 14, this Derby could be very special indeeed.

In Sydney, heavy rain this week has made conditions very wet for Saturday’s G1 Coolmore Classic at Rosehill.

If Alizee is given the green light to run, she could give Godolphin followers a good sight, though Raiment would be an able deputy.

Finally, in Paris, Godolphin trainer Andre Fabre sends out Soleil Marin to contest the seven-runner G3 Prix Exbury, a race he won last year with subsequent G1 winner Cloth Of Stars.