Surging Rapper Dragon in sharp form for Hong Kong Classic Cup

Rapper Dragon dominated the Hong Kong Classic Mile on Jan. 22 and will be favored to win the next leg of Hong Kong’s series of Classic races for 4-year-olds, the $1.29 million Hong Kong Classic Cup on Sunday at Sha Tin Racecourse.

Trained by John Moore, Rapper Dragon finished the 2015 – 2016 racing season with a flourish, winning three in a row to raise his official rating 17 points and rising to the head of the class of Hong Kong-based 3-year-olds. The Australian-bred gelding by Street Boss began his 4-year-old campaign by being scratched lame the morning of Oct. 23 from his intended comeback start. He finished fifth on Dec. 11 facing older rivals in a seven-furlong handicap, but that race had Rapper Dragon spot-on for the Classic Mile.

Under his regular rider Joao Moreira, Rapper Dragon settled midpack and between horses last out, finding gaps as they came up the last 600 meters mainly because he was so full of run. Rapper Dragon had made the front with a furlong out and none of his 13 rivals came close to him; Rapper Dragon won by two lengths.

Rapper Dragon pleased Moore in a Thursday workout, and the added ground does not figure to trouble him based on his performances over one mile.

Seasons Bloom was second in the Classic Mile, but could prove more a one-run sprinter-miler type, while the nine furlongs might help Classic Mile third-place finisher Beauty Generation, also trained by Moore. The New Zealand-bred has made only three Hong Kong starts, has run well in each, and still has room to improve. Moore also runs Eagle Way, who was sixth in the Classic Mile.

Among the others in the race, Pakistan Star surely is the biggest name. With his flamboyant head-gear and last-to-first style, Pakistan Star turned heads winning his first two Hong Kong starts, but his shine began to dull once Pakistan Star began facing stronger competition. He has stayed closer to the lead in his last two starts, but he went flat during the final furlong of the Classic Mile and could finish only fifth.

Post time for the Classic Cup, the eighth of 10 races Sunday at Sha Tin, is set for 3:35 a.m. Eastern. Live video and wagering is available at DRF Bets.