Sacred Kingdom sets Sha Tin record

Excellent performances were turned in at Sha Tin on Saturday in the Sprint and Mile trials for the upcoming International meeting next month.

Sacred Kingdom, sent off as an odds-on favorite in the Sprint Trial, scorched six furlongs to win by 2 3/4 lengths in track-record time of 1:07.50. Going supremely well throughout under Gerald Mosse, the track record could have been broken still further as the 4-year-old was eased close to home. He will head straight to the International Sprint on Dec. 9.

The other leading Hong Kong hope, Medic Power, the second betting choice, is doubtful for the International Sprint after finishing a well-beaten eighth. He was found to have an irregular heartbeat after the race.

Good Ba Ba took the Mile Trial, delighting his connections with a neck victory over Floral Pegasus. He is expected to improve considerably for the International Mile after this prep.

Crack middle-distance performer Venegance of Rain also raced on the card, finishing fifth. Not given a strenuous race, he is being pointed for either the 1 1/4-mile Hong Kong Cup or 1 1/2-mile Hong Kong Vase next month.