| R4 SHA TIN | 11 December 2016 |
| THE LONGINES HONG KONG VASE G1 3U OPEN ($2,846,900), 2400m 2:26.22 | |
| Race Synopsis: The Japanese representative Satono Crown settled back in tenth place (on the rails), behind a strong tempo before improving (between runners) from the 800m to be fifth at the home turn. He set out after the leader (Highland Reel) on straightening, challenged at the 100m and then finished a too well to score a very good win, and in fast time. It was also an excellent ride by Joao Moreira. Highland Reel worked to the front at the winning post the first time, was pressured mid-race and then ran along at a good pace. He grabbed a break on straightening and was only overtaken nearing the post to finish a gallant second after running a bold race. The French-trained One Foot In Heaven remained near the tail of the 14-horse field until the 600m, improved between runners coming to the home turn, got to fourth at the 200m and then battled on well to take third. | |
SATONO CROWN wins the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase 2016
GBeret83 Says:
12/12/2016 8:11:40 PM
In the 2015 renewal of the Vase, Ryan Moore got it right on Highland Reel. Just check the difference in the splits that he allowed Highland Reel to run in the 2015 renewal vs. the 2016 renewal and you'll see a substantial difference. The bottom line here is that Moore went too fast in the early and mid sections of the race this time. Add to that his kicking for home too early on Highland Reel, which was why he ran out of gas in the final 50 meters or so of the race, and it allowed Satono Crown to nail him by a head at the wire. I'm not taking anything at all away from Satono Crown's performance in the Vase because he ran a terrific race. But this was frankly a race that could've and in my view should've been won by Highland Reel given a smarter ride by Ryan Moore, IMO.