Bundle Award Could Be HK Derby-Bound

Leading trainer Size's promising 4YO inches closer to third leg of the HK Classic series

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HONG KONG - Bundle Award charged into the HK$26 million (S$4.45 million) BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) calculations, after a brilliant victory in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Carpenter Handicap (1,800m) at Sha Tin on March 9, to fan hopes of a fourth classic triumph for champion trainer John Size.

Ridden perfectly by Ben Thompson, the 75-rating Shamus Award four-year-old charged from last at the 400m in a searing 22.1sec to beat Markwin (Harry Bentley) and Helene Feeling (Luke Ferraris) to enhance claims of clinching a place in the Hong Kong Derby on March 23.

"It felt as good as it would have looked," Thompson said of the gelding's blistering finish. "I was confident he would let rip when it was time to go."

"He was super. He's handled by a master in John. He's versatile and he's a lovely horse."

Size, who saddled Fay Fay (2012), Luger (2015) and Ping Hai Star (2018) to Hong Kong Derby victory, said: "He (Bundle Award) did very well. He seems to settle and relax and didn't seem to waste any energy.

"He had plenty of resources left for the finish."

Fifth behind Sky Heart over 1,600m after drawing barrier 1 at his previous start on Feb 16, Bundle Award ($31) - who won three times in Australia for Jason and Allan Williams as Prince Prawn - appreciated being dropped to the tail of the field.