Hong Kong Harry back to winning form in City of Hope Mile

ARCADIA, Calif. -- The sharp stretch runs that carried Hong Kong Harry to three graded stakes wins in 2022 but was absent in three starts earlier this year, returned in an emphatic style in Saturday’s Grade 2 City of Hope Mile on turf at Santa Anita.

Hong Kong Harry, who was favored and paid $4.40, stalked pacesetter Astronomer to early stretch and rallied around that determined rival to win by a neck, finishing in 1:33.77 on a good turf course softened by midday rain. Hong Kong Harry earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 96.

The $202,000 City of Hope Mile was the first time jockey Juan Hernandez rode the 6-year-old Hong Kong Harry. The two teamed together like longtime partners.

“I had a nice trip,” Hernandez said. “He was feeling good. He was aggressive.”

Hong Kong Harry was on the inside nearing the stretch when Hernandez moved the gelding off the rail when space failed to develop.

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“I was hoping the inside would open,” Hernandez said. “I had the opportunity to go outside. When he switched leads, he took off. I had to push him a little bit.”

Astronomer (8-1) started in his first graded stakes in the City of Hope Mile. After setting early fractions of 23.51 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 47.67 for a half-mile, Astronomer turned into the stretch with a one-length lead. He was a half-length in front of Hong Harry with a furlong remaining.

“He ran great,” said Simon Callaghan, who trains Astronomer. “You run that good…He showed he’s a top-level horse.”

Twist (3-1) finished third, followed by Hit the Road, Cathkin Peak, Irideo, War At Sea, Il Bellator, and Flavius.

Hong Kong Harry, who races for Scott Anastasi, Jimmy Ukegawa, and Tony Valazza, won for the first time since the Grade 2 Seabiscuit Handicap at Del Mar last November. Earlier in 2022, Hong Kong Harry won the Grade 3 American Stakes and Grade 2 Del Mar Mile, both on turf.

Earlier this year, Hong Kong Harry was fourth in the Grade 1 Frank Kilroe Mile in March, second in the Grade 1 urf Classic at Churchill Downs on May 6, and third in the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile on May 29.

Hong Kong Harry was later disqualified from the purse of the Turf Classic for a medication violation.

Trained by Phil D’Amato, Hong Kong Harry has won 10 of 17 starts and earned $775,097.

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