Kiwi bred sprinter Lucky Sweynesse went on his wining way at Sha Tin on Sunday and might be given the chance to extend a phenomenal season in search of a ninth victory after matching Beauty Generation’s record for the most wins in a single Hong Kong campaign with a dominant performance in the Group III Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m).
Trained by Manfred Man and ridden by Zac Purton, he posted his eighth win from 10 starts this season, and his sixth in a row, Lucky Sweynesse powered to a comfortable one-and-a-quarter length victory.
Man suggested Lucky Sweynesse – the world’s highest-rated sprinter – might attempt to add the Group IIIPremier Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on 25 June to a bulging list of 2022/23 credits, which already include G1 triumphs in the Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) and Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m).
“I need to discuss with the owner first, it’s too early to give an answer. I will look at the horse after the race. We will do the morning gallop to see how he feels. Now the weather is very hot, so I don’t want the horse to feel hot,” Man said of possible Premier Cup plans.
“He is in really good form and I think maybe next season he can still improve a little bit.”
A $90,000 purchase for J & I Bloodstock from the Woburn Farm draft at the NZB Ready to Run Sale, Lucky Sweynesse is a full brother to Group I placed Signora Nera and is from stakes-winning Red Clubs mare Madonna Mia.
His female family is all Australian speed with his fourth dam being brilliant Group winning filly Beach Gown, the dam of dual Group I winning sprinter Wrap Around with other family members including Champion 2YO Filly Fashions Afield and current season stakes-winners What You Need and Fashion Legend.
With 13 wins from 17 starts, Lucky Sweynesse is the first Group I winner for Lonhro stallion Sweynesse, who stands at Novara Park.
