Rapper Dragon’s Champions Mile odds drop after Chairman’s win
CHAMPION jockey Joao Moreira has declared Rapper Dragon the “best horse in town” after the $1.60 favourite took out the Group Two Chairman’s Trophy at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Rapper Dragon now goes into the Champions Mile on May 7 as the -153.85 favourite at Sportsbet.com.au to win its first ever group one crown.
The G2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) goes to Derby winner Rapper Dragon, beating Hong Kong Mile winner Beauty Only #HKRacing pic.twitter.com/Y8kWJ9xIEj
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) April 9, 2017
The horse Rapper Dragon conquered – Beauty Only – is on the second line of betting at the $4 quote at Sportsbet.com.au.
The John Moore-trained gun hammered its rivals in last month’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) to become the first horse to complete a sweep of Hong Kong’s three-race Four-Year-Old Classic Series.
The superstar jockey Joao Moreira said Rapper Dragon still has a lot to learn, but said he is “convinced that he is the best horse in town”.
“He went through the race beautifully,” Moreira said.
“He had lovely cover and I just pulled him out a little bit early because I knew there would be some early moves and I wanted to make sure I gave him a clear run. When I put him into daylight he finished off so strongly – he was really letting down powerfully.
“I think there’s more improvement to come and now it’s up to Mr. Moore to help him go to that extra level that I believe is there to go for.”
The horse’s trainer John Moore said he was pleased Rapper Dragon could win despite not being at its best.
“Coming back from a peak in the Derby, he was not 100 per cent today – he has more there for next time,” Moore said.
Moore believes a success in the Champions Mile would all but sure up another highly sought after prize.
“I had thought about going to 2,400m in the Champions & Chater Cup but I don’t want to bottom him. Especially if he did happen to win the Champions Mile, which would probably ensure Horse of the Year, then I think we’d just give him a break.”
One of the Moore stable’s other gun runners, 2015 Hong Kong Horse of the Year Able Friend, is the $4 second favourite at Sportsbet.com.au to win the Champions Mile, but the trainer admitted the superstar is no certainty for the group one race.
Able Friend injured its foot in March, and Moore admitted it could end the career of the 2015 Champions Mile winner.
“I have to sit down with the owners, but in all probability it will be retirement for him,” Moore said.
“The injury is not exactly in the same place but it’s in the same ligament. Retirement looks on the cards.”