David Hall landed a rare four-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday to put his personal-best haul of 40 victories well within reach after 46 meetings of the 2022-23 season.
The wins of Beluga, Flying Mojito, Prince Of Porty and Atullibigeal took Hall to 24 wins for the campaign and eight successes in February alone.
Beluga has been one of Hall’s most consistent gallopers this term, and the six-year-old produced his second Class One win in the space of four starts when taking out the TVB Yan Oi Tong Charity Show Handicap (1,400m) under Matthew Poon Ming-fai.
“What you see is what you get with him now. He’s been very honest, very consistent. Obviously, we targeted the handicap race knowing he’d carry the light weight and that would give him the advantage,” Hall said after Beluga travelled just behind the speed carrying only 113 pounds before beating Beauty Joy by three-quarters of a length.
“It’s a big plus when he’s got gate speed, he can put himself in a good position, and he’s carrying a light weight in a handicap race. You’re always going to be a good chance.
“I think this was a really good target race for him. Obviously, it’ll get harder from here. I can’t say there’s much improvement left in him, but he’s just a very honest horse. He deserved that win and we’ll enjoy it.
“He’s a very genuine racehorse, he’s been a good servant for the stable and it’s good to get the Class One win today.
“You’d like a stable full of them. He’s just kept delivering every preparation and I’d like to find a few more.”
Flying Mojito put consecutive runner-up finishes behind him with victory in the Class Four TVB Po Leung Kuk Gala Spectacular Handicap (1,600m) under Zac Purton.
“Zac was pretty adamant before the race he wanted to try and get him out of the gates and wake him up a little bit more. There was a lot of slow, get-back horses in the race and he got into a bit of a traffic jam last time, so it was a good ride by Zac,” Hall said.
“He did hit him up and put him in the spot and it certainly made the difference today. He’s still learning his craft. He sort of floated a bit when he was in front.
“I’ve got no doubt he’ll run 2,000m easily, so we’ll continue to increase his distance and he’ll stay in the class – it wasn’t a big margin today. Hopefully, there’s another win around the corner.”
Prince Of Porty remained unbeaten in the Class Four TVB Tung Wah Charity Show Handicap (1,200m), handling the step up in trip with aplomb after saluting over five furlongs down the Sha Tin straight on debut.
“The 1,200m obviously wasn’t a problem for him, and around the corner also. He’d had a little bit of experience at the Happy Valley trials,” Hall said.
“He’s a funny horse. He does it so easily. He doesn’t change his legs like most horses would. Zac’s always trying to make him change, and he’s a little bit awkward at times, so he was a little bit unsure how it would all play out around the corner, but he handled it very well. He’s got a bit of talent there. He won nicely at the finish.
“I think the day he trialled against Campione sort of told you he’s a little bit better than a Class Four horse. It was a good trial that day. Now he’s put it together, I think Class Three’s very achievable for him.”
Atullibigeal’s victory in the Class Three TVB Midlife, Sing & Shine Handicap (1,600m) rounded out Hall’s superb afternoon and the four-year-old will now be pointed towards next month’s Hong Kong Derby (2,000m).
“I think today’s win will just about guarantee he gets a run. He won’t run in the Classic Cup. What path we take to get there I’m not sure yet, but definitely, the Derby will be the aim,” Hall said.
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