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Joao Moreira claimed a quick-fire double at Sha Tin today, 21 September, by delivering Kabayan with a well-timed run to victory in the day’s feature contest, the Kwangtung Handicap Cup (1400m).
Moreira had to bustle his mount in the early stages of the Class 1 to hold a comfortable spot close to the rear. Up front, Matthew Chadwick set the tempo on the willing Beauty Flame (120lbs) and that pair still held the prime position as the classy field of 11 turned for home, with Kabayan swinging widest of all.
At the 400m, Moreira got down into his trademark drive and the John Moore-trained runner responded gamely. The five-year-old hammered past his rivals to catch Beauty Flame inside the final 100m, and drew three quarters of a length clear at the wire. Dundonnell (121lbs) kept on well to claim third, a nose behind Beauty Flame, as Mizani (121lbs), returning from a 10-month absence, stayed on to take fourth. The winning time was 1m 21.68s.
“He's well weighted,” said Moore of the Australian import, winner of the G2 Stan Fox Stakes this time two years ago. “He got a gun ride and got to the line strong. You've got to catch this horse pretty early on - he's a fresh type, you need to catch this horse fresh. He’s a decent horse and he can improve on that.”
Moreira, the early Jockeys’ Championship leader, opened his account for the day in the previous race. The Brazilian, runner-up to Zac Purton in the title race last term, guided the well-supported Teofilo Calva to victory in the Class 2 Shantou Handicap (1200m) for trainer John Size.
Brett Prebble continued his sharp start to the season with a brace, too. The Australian drove home The Prince and Best Jade Triumph for a back-to-back double in races three and four. Not to be outdone, Keith Yeung struck aboard Terrific Master and longshot President Lincoln in races five and six.
Vincent Ho made it four riding doubles on the day. Ho teamed up with Caspar Fownes to claim the penultimate race with Lovely Boy, having taken the second race on Unique Joyful. Andreas Suborics opened his account for the season in the opener on the Ricky Yiu-trained Oscar Miracle, while the last race went to Douglas Whyte on Full Talent.
