Fabulous One finds better fit in Verbena Handicap

The Group 3 National Day Cup at five furlongs on turf at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong on Oct. 1 was too tough for Fabulous One, the 7-year-old gelding. He set the pace before fading to finish last of seven.

Wednesday’s $249,019 Verbena Handicap at five furlongs on turf at Happy Valley is a better fit. The race reflects a drop in class and can give Fabulous One his first win since June 2016.

Fabulous One was assigned topweight of 133 pounds, but will carry 128 pounds since apprentice jockey Dylan Mo claims five pounds. Even with the weight break, Fabulous One carries two pounds more than Baltic Whisper and Gunnison.

Fabulous One could face early pressure from Mr Lumieres, who won a five-furlong handicap on turf at Sha Tin in June in his most recent start.

Gunnison, trained by John Size, is a threat from off the pace. Gunnison will be ridden by Karis Teetan, who is off to a fine start in the current Hong Kong season with 11 wins through Sunday. Gunnison has not raced since finishing second in a minor handicap in July.

Leading rider Zac Purton, who has won 14 races, has the mount on the improving Saul’s Special, who will carry 120 pounds. Saul’s Special won two of his last three starts at five furlongs on turf in lower-class company in June and July. Purton was aboard Saul’s Special’s win at Happy Valley in July.

The Verbena Handicap will be the Hong Kong debut of Hinchinlove, who was second in the Group 3 Zeditave Stakes for 3-year-olds at six furlongs in Australia last February when racing under the name Wild Heart. Horses frequently have their names changed when they are transferred to Hong Kong.

Hinchinlove won twice in Australia in 2017. He has been assigned 116 pounds, and will be ridden by Alberto Sanna.