Dennis Yip's 6/1 shot was last of nine at the turn into the home straight but
quickened between rivals to take the lead 150 metres out, drawing clear for a
length and a half triumph."Everyone's seen this horse at his best, and when he can get that uninterrupted run and have an opportunity to let go like that, he's a very high-class horse, and that's what he proved today," said winning rider Nash Rawiller.
The six-year-old ran the final 400m in 22.55s and stopped the clock at 2m 00.92s, the second fastest time in the race's history.
"There was a little bit going on early; Anticipation and a couple of the others went very wide on the track, racing a little bit ungenerously, and my guy, to his credit, just spat out the bridle out the back. We were able to bide our time behind Joao and Military Attack and he gave me a brilliant cut into the race," Rawiller said.
"He was very strong over the 2000 metres today and you'd still expect there to be some improvement for International day."
With seven wins from 21 starts ranging in distance from 1200 to 2000 metres, Secret Weapon is in top form.
Secret Weapon's win on Sunday was Yip's first in open Pattern grade and the trainer is now eyeing one of the big pots at the HK$83 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races on Sunday, 11 December. The British import is engaged in both the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup at the course and distance and the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m).
"I think the 2000 metres is his best distance, so we'll aim towards the Cup in three weeks' time," Yip said.
One of 77 stakes-winners worldwide for Choisir, Secret Weapon gets his stamina from his dam Jest Devine, who is by Montjeu from a daughter of Shirley Heights.
