Cap Ferrat Sheds Maiden Tag in a HK Derby Upset

Lui-trained galloper scores in a thriller in third leg of the HK 4YO Classic Series

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HONG KONG - Craig Williams produced one of the finest rides of a decorated career, guiding Cap Ferrat to a narrow victory in a gripping HK$26 million (S$4.47 million) BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) on a day of triumph for Francis Lui at Sha Tin on March 23.

Winless in 13 Australian starts and three more in Hong Kong until the big race on March 23, the Snitzel gelding hugged the rails throughout in fourth position after jumping from barrier 2 and never went around another horse.

He held off My Wish (Luke Ferraris) by a short head, with Packing Angel (Joao Moreira) a further head away in third. The winning time was 2min 00.67sec.

Hong Kong Classic Mile winner My Wish was taken back to last from gate 14 and was forced to make a sustained sprint from the 800m, clocking a race-best 21.39sec for the final 400m.

Lo Rider (Hugh Bowman) finished fourth after attempting to lead all the way. He was closely followed by Rubylot (Brenton Avdulla), Johannes Brahms (Andrea Atzeni) and Bundle Award (Ben Thompson), who all finished within two lengths of Cap Ferrat.

Hong Kong's reigning champion trainer, Lui dominated the meeting with a treble - scoring with Cap Ferrat, Packing Hermod and Invincible Shield.

Previously trained by Chris Waller in Sydney, Cap Ferrat was placed twice in Group 1 races in Australia behind Tom Kitten and Riff Rocket.