Winner of the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint twelve months ago for John Size and Nash Rawiller, Mr Stunning repeated the feat at Sha Tin on Sunday but this time for trainer Frankie Lor and jockey Karis Teetan.
And just as it was twelve months ago it was D B Pin (NZ) (Darci Brahma) who had to settle for second with Beat The Clock (Hinchinbrook) back in third. Size trained by the minor placegetters.
After beginning well, Mr Stunning travelled sweetly just off the speed before the turn but looked to be in some trouble at the 200 metres but found plenty in the closing stages to defeat D B Pin by three-quarters of a length with Beat The Clock a half-length back in third. (photos Grant Courtney)
It was the first win for the son of Exceed And Excel since he captured the race twelve months ago but he has not been off the board in six starts since.
Mr Stunning was a $250,000 purchase by Magus Equine out of the Lyndhurst Farm draft at the 2014 NZB Premier Yearling Sale after Lyndhurst had pin-hooked the son of Exceed And Excel for $110,000 out of the Makybe draft at the 2013 Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale
Mr Stunning advances his record to 11 wins, 6 seconds and 2 thirds from 22 starts.
Bred by Tony Santic, Mr Stunning is the fifth winner from the Dayur mare With Fervour (USA), who was sold for just $6,000 in 2013 but died a year later.
With Fervour (USA) was a half-sister to five-time Group I winner With Anticipation from Kentucky and Hollywood Oaks winner Fran's Valentine.
