Fat Turtle expected to show the way in Korea Racing Authority Trophy

Fat Turtle may have gained as much in a recent loss at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong as he did by winning his debut on that circuit at Happy Valley Racecourse last month.

Fat Turtle, who starts in Wednesday’s $175,908 Korea Racing Authority Trophy at Happy Valley, was beaten 1 3/4 lengths in a six-furlong handicap at Sha Tin, leading to the final furlong before finishing second. The determination Fat Turtle showed in that defeat should work to his advantage in the Korea Racing Authority Trophy, which is run at six furlongs.

Fat Turtle, trained by Frankie Lor, is quick and is expected to lead from post 11. A 4-year-old Australian-bred gelding, Fat Turtle has shown speed in both of his starts in Hong Kong. He was a three-time winner in Australia in 2017-18 racing under the name Butchoy. Horses frequently have their names changed when they are imported to Hong Kong.

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By Smart Missile, Fat Turtle will carry 130 pounds and will be ridden by leading rider Zac Purton. Wecare N Prosper is the 133-pound highweight and will have his second start in Hong Kong in the Korea Racing Authority Trophy. Wecare N Prosper was unplaced in five group stakes in Australia in 2017-18 racing as Icon of Dubai.

Fat Turtle could face early pressure from Planet Star, a winner at Sha Tin in February who was second in the same race as Wecare N Prosper at Sha Tin on April 7. Planet Star, who will carry 116 pounds and will be ridden by apprentice jockey Victor Wong, is drawn one post position to the inside of Fat Turtle.

This will be the third start in Hong Kong for Casa de Forca, who was sixth after a wide trip at Happy Valley on April 4. Casa de Forca, who carries 121 pounds and will be ridden by Karis Teetan, could be a factor from off the pace.