| R8 SHA TIN | 24 April 2016 |
| THE AUDEMARS PIGUET QEII CUP G1 3U OPEN ($3,370,240), 2000m 2:01.32 | |
| Race Synopsis: The Hong Kong Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Werther scored a brilliant win, stepping up to this weight-for-age feature. He settled well back in ninth place before improving between runners from the 1000m. He tracked through nicely coming to the home turn, went to the rails on straightening and burst to the front at the 300m before racing away to a most impressive win. It was also an excellent ride by Hugh Bowman. Military Attack was well back in 12th place in the 13-horse field before improving well, between runners, rounding the home turn. He got through to third at the 200m and then battled gamely for a good second, having no chance with the winner. Blazing Speed raced in a midfield position, three wide with cover. He fanned deep at the home turn, went to fourth at the 200m and kept fighting well to grab the minor placing nearing the post. The favourite, the Japanese-trained Lovely Day enjoyed a good trip in third place on the rails, briefly looked the winner when he took an inside run to take the lead on straightening but he disappointed over the final stages, just holding on for fourth after seeming to have every chance. Designs On Rome settled at the tail of the field as expected, went deep nearing the home turn and made late ground for a very sound fifth. | |
WERTHER won the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup 2016
