The
griffin race at Sha tin on Sunday produced another impressive win for exciting
Starspangledbanner two year-old Styling City, who made it two wins in as many
starts with a dominant display.
The most expensive yearling sold in 2017 by Starsspangledbanner, Styling City
is showing the ability to match his looks and pricetag.
Trained by John Moore, the powerhouse chestnut gelding was challenged in the run
by Zoustar colt Quadruple Double, but shook off that rival to win the 1000
metre dash by two and a half lengths in a slick 56.36 seconds.
Moore was thrilled with the performance, given Styling City did not have it
easy and emerged triumphant.
"It means we've got something there," Moore said.
"I'm very pleased he has continued on the same path and showed a bit of
internal fortitude when Zac wanted to get him a neck behind and test whether he
may have been that little bit timid but Joao said 'no, I kept him right into
it', and then in the end with a few slaps around the backside, he changed
gears."
A $300,000 Inglis Easter purchase for George Moore Bloodstock / G Ling from the
Amarina Farm draft, Styling City is the second winner from stakes-winning Artie
Schiller (USA) mare Secret Liaison.
A champion son of Choisir, Starspangledbanner is priced for value this year at
Coolmore at $11,000 and with better numbers and fertility in his last four
seasons, has the potential to offer real rewards to his supporters this year.