Beauty Generation Seeks to Regain Form in Hong Kong

Hong Kong's reigning Horse of the Year, Beauty Generation, faces the question in the Jan. 19 Steward's Cup (G1) of whether he is over the hill at age 7.

A fourth consecutive subpar performance would signal a career decline at home at Sha Tin Racecourse. But if he regains his form in the 1,600-meter (about one-mile) Stewards' Cup, the March 25 Dubai Turf (G1) at Meydan awaits.

The Stewards' Cup is one of two group 1 events on the Sunday program, paired with a highly anticipated showdown in the Centenary Sprint Cup (G1) at 1,200 meters (about six furlongs).

Trainer John Moore, citing a successful barrier trial a week ago under Zac Purton and a nice gallop Jan. 16, said Beauty Generation seems to have regained the mojo he used to reel off 10 straight wins over the past two seasons before the recent slowdown.

"He's jumping out of his skin at the present moment, so that's a good sign," the trainer said. "We've changed a few things—work patterns and the like—so taking into consideration the barrier trial last week and the feedback after the trial from Zac, we're pleased."

If that doesn't work out, poised to take over the role of Hong Kong's top miler with a victory is Waikuku, a 5-year-old Harbour Watch gelding who was second behind Admire Mars and in front of Beauty Generation in the Longines Hong Kong Mile (G1) in December.

"Form-wise, Waikuku is probably at the top of the board," jockey Joao Moreira said Jan. 17. 

"Beauty Generation, for the last two seasons, has been the best horse in town. And he deserves that reputation for what he's done, and we've still got to show him some respect," Moreira added. "But I'm happy to stick with my bloke!"

Also of note in the seven-horse Stewards' Cup field are Furore, who cuts back from a fourth-place finish in the 2,000-meter (about 1 1/4-mile) Longines Hong Kong Cup (G1), Southern Legend, and Ka Ying Star.

The Centenary Sprint Cup finds old foes Beat The Clock, a 6-year-old Hinchinbrook gelding, and Mr Stunning back at it. Last month, Beat The Clock denied Mr Stunning a third consecutive victory in the Longines Hong Kong Sprint (G1). Beat The Clock also beat Mr Stunning in last year's Centenary Sprint Cup.

Trainer Frankie Lor said the 7-year-old Exceed and Excel gelding still has what it takes to turn the tables on Beat The Clock now that he's fully recovered from a hairline fracture in his shoulder.

"We'll see him close to his best in this race," Lor said. "I think he can win."

Lor said Hugh Bowman, who jets in from Australia to ride Mr Stunning in his group 1 races, also sees a rosy picture.

"Hugh said after his last race that he was much better than his first run. He was happy with him and said he'd be happy to ride him this time," Lor said.

Moreira has the ride on Beat The Clock and said two days out from the race that the horse's engine is ticking over just fine.

"He just doesn't like to run a bad race. He's such a sound and nice individual," Moreira said. "His trial was good, and I was extremely happy with the way he did it. He's going into Sunday's race fully fit."

Seven are set to go in the Centenary Sprint Cup.