Eagle swoops at Sha Tin

Eagle Way has taken full advantage of a suicidal speed battle to win a dramatic renewal of the Jockey Club Cup Gr.2 at Sha Tin.

The More Than Ready gelding was a Group 1 winner of the 2016 Queensland Derby (2400m) and he used that stamina to full effect on Sunday.  Front-runners Time Warp (Zac Purton) and Glorious Forever (Joao Moreira) carved out cut-throat sectionals setting it up for a swooping finish from Eagle Way.

He broke the 2000m track-record clocking 1:59.30s and bookmakers also cut him into a $6 favourite for next month’s Hong Kong International Vase Gr.1 over 2400m.

Trainer John Moore will also pay a Group 1 supplementary fee for Eagle Way in the Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on December 9.  “We haven’t decided whether to run in the Vase or the Cup.  I will talk it over with the owner Mr. Siu.  The Cup might be an option worth considering.”

Moore admitted the Jockey Club Cup was set-up perfectly for Eagle Way.  “The way they went early, it fell right into his hands.  He has just been progressing, his first run we see him finish third, the next run the pace didn’t suit but he closed to third, but today, the way it was run, it was a different situation and he hit the line strong – 2000m or more is where he excels.

“He has really hit his straps this season, we’ve tweaked a few little things and what we’ve tweaked has been the right thing.”

Winning jockey Silvestre de Sousa settled well back in the field before presenting Eagle Way in the straight.  “He doesn’t have early speed but showed a good turn-of-foot when they stopped in front.  I think he has a great chance in three weeks and will be quite happy to keep the ride!”

Moore purchased Eagle Way as a yearling for $200,000 at the 2014 Inglis Easter Sale.  He’s a younger half-brother to Assertive Eagle, Impressive Eagle and Soaressa who all won stakes races in Adelaide albeit in sprint company.  More Than Ready sired him from Wedgetail Eagle (Lure) and the mare has yearling filly by the Vinery legend at Segenhoe Stud.

EAGLE WAY