Solid State bids to back up explosive Hong Kong debut at Sha Tin

By Paul Ryding

Four-year-old Solid State burst onto the scene at the end of last season, blowing away a Class 3 field by five and a quarter lengths in a spectacular debut. On Sunday (13 September), he’ll look to follow that up on his first run over 1000 metres in Hong Kong.

Trained by Frankie Lor, Solid State was originally bought as a yearling in Australia for AU$1.75 million (approx. HK$9.81 million). But he failed to justify that lofty price tag for his former connections in seven outings Down Under, where he was known as United States and was trained by master handler Chris Waller.

The son of champion Australian sire Snitzel made his way to Hong Kong in February this year, and hit the ground running with a crushing all-the-way victory over 1200 metres under Alexis Badel.

“He dominated quite well (on debut), and I knew what he was capable of. (The winning margin) was a surprise, but I knew he was good,” Badel said.

The Frenchman said Solid State’s class was apparent from the first time he sat on him.

“I always knew he was going very well,” said Badel, who reunites with the gelding in Sunday’s Class 3 Wah Fu Handicap (1000m).

“I trialled him in Conghua, and he showed quality straight away. He’s a quality individual, and he proved it on debut, so I hope he can repeat.”

He seems to have held his strong form of last season on the evidence of a 31 August 1000m turf barrier trial at Conghua.

Dropping back to Sha Tin’s straight dash distance with the maximum impost of 135lb, having been handed a 12-point hike by the handicapper, poses another question for Solid State. But Badel thinks the galloper will handle it well and he’ll be aided by the plum draw of gate 14.

“He’s pretty quick, and he trialled over 1000 metres in Conghua, and he was comfortable,” said Badel, who is looking for his first win of the new season. “Carrying such a heavy weight for just a second start, I thought it might be simpler to go 1000 metres. He’s got a good gate. Hopefully, he breaks well and shows some good speed.”

Mark Newnham’s stable star My Wish was back in action on Friday (11 September), running out an easy winner of a 1200m dirt trial at Sha Tin. Zac Purton was in the plate as the six-year-old Flying Artie gelding breezed home in 1m 09.30s (23.7, 21.8, 23.8).

The mile specialist, who claimed his first Group 1 crown with victory in the FWD Champions Mile (1600m) in April this year, is thought to be preparing for a return in the G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) on 27 September, the same race where he made a triumphant return to action last season.

Sunday’s (13 September) 10-race fixture at Sha Tin starts at 1pm with the Class 5 Hong Tung Handicap (1400m).