Group winners and placegetters make Hong Kong debuts in New Year’s Day finale

Straight Arron is not the only well-credentialed Hong Kong debutant at Sha Tin on Sunday, with two Group-placed newcomers among the David Hayes-trained Carbine Club Stakes (1,600m) winner’s opponents in the Class Three Flame Tree Handicap (1,400m).

Danny Shum Chap-shing introduces Nordic Star, who won the Listed Clasico Argentina (1,500m) before contesting three Group races in the United Arab Emirates, placing second in the Group Three UAE 2,000 Guineas (1,600m).

Formerly known as Kiefer, Nordic Star will have his first taste of turf racing after competing on dirt in Argentina and the UAE.

Caspar Fownes unveils Tourbillon Prince, who won over 1,400m and 1,800m in Western Australia before placing second in the Group Two WATC Derby (2,400m) on his 11th and final start known as Pale Rider.

Also in the Flame Tree Handicap field are Tony Cruz-prepared import The Best Peach, who finished fourth in the 30-runner Britannia Stakes (1,600m) at Royal Ascot after winning his first four races in the United Kingdom, last-start beaten odds-on favourite A Pal, Britannia Stakes seventh Red Lion and Class Three double seeker Super Sunny Sing.

Matthew Chadwick rode Super Sunny Sing to win over 1,400m at Sha Tin three weeks ago, but the reigning Tony Cruz Award winner is out for two reasons – he is suspended, and he is recovering from the ankle injury he sustained before a trial last month.

Vincent Ho Chak-yiu, whom Chadwick succeeded as the leading local jockey, takes over aboard Chris So Wai-yin’s Super Sunny Sing.

Only Zac Purton rode more winners in December than Ho’s eight.

Elsewhere on the 11-race card, Shum’s HK$3 million Hong Kong International Sale buy Flying Gallop lines up in the Class Four Poplar Handicap (1,200m) with Hugh Bowman in the saddle.

David Hayes unveils another star shooting for Classic Series glory

Flying Gallop is the son of gun three-year-old sprinter Dandy Man and Barathea mare Bankeress.

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