First Blood To Japan as Satono Crown Takes HK Vase

First blood on Hong Kong International Stakes day at Sha Tin went to Japan with Satono Crown, ridden by local hero Joao Moreira, running down the thoroughly game favourite Highland Reel in the Group 1 The Longines Hong Kong Vase (2400m).

Looking to close out an amazing year, Highland Reel with Ryan Moore in the saddle, took up the early running. He received no favours in the run when Damien Lane on Big Orange put the pressure on.

Highland Reel turned back that challenge and swept clear on straightening before Satono Crown became a menacing presence.

Moreira weaved his magic between runners from well back in the field. Softened up midrace, Highland Reel had nothing left to give in the final 50 metres.

Satomo Crown defeated Highland Reel by a half-length with One Foot in Heaven, an Irish-bred son of Fastnet Rock, sis and three-quarter lengths back in third. (photos Grant Courtney). 

A brother to the Group 1 Cheveley Park winner Lightning Pearl, the 4yo son of the former shuttler, Epsom Derby runner-up,  Marju (IRE) was winning for the fifth time from 11 starts.

His recent form has been indifferent since winning the Group II Kyoto Kinen in February.

Satono Crown was purchased at the yearling session of JRHA Select Sale in 2013 by Hajime Satomi for 58,000,000yen (approx. $675,000).

He is out of Rossini mare Jioconda who won two of her four starts including a Listed race over a mile in Ireland.

A winner of his two starts at two, Satono Crown won the Group II Hochi Hai Yayoi Sho (2000m) on debut at three, before finishing sixth to Duramente in the Group 1 Satsuki Sho (2000m). He was then third in the Group 1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (2400m).