Keep The Faith sprinter Blue Caviar scored an eye-catching victory on debut in Hong Kong on Sunday.

Blue Caviar (4g Keep The Faith – Twisted Bliss by Canny Lad) did it easily in a Class 4 sprint up the Sha Tin straight course.  He sizzled over 1000 metres in 57.55s.

Champion jockey Dougie Whyte positioned the winner just off the speed and then, when  asked for effort, he found the necessary acceleration to put his rivals away.

The nature of the win pointed to a horse who would take significant natural improvement from his first race experience.  “He’s very good and did it comfortably,” trainer Danny Shum said.  “We will wait at least three weeks for another start, there’s no point in rushing him.”

Whyte said Blue Caviar would be an even better proposition around a bend.  “He was a bit wayward when he did hit the front, but with a rail to guide him around a bend, he will let down nicely.  He’s very tractable and has a lovely kick.”

Blue Caviar is owned by the Diogenes Syndicate and earned HK$384,750 for his first-up victory.

His dam Twisted Bliss was bred by Tas Reilly at Basinghall Farm.  Before being pensioned last year, the mare had foaled prior winners Twisted Times (Mukaddamah), Blitxaar (Xaar) and Zellemsee (Royal Academy).

Keep The Faith sired Blue Caviar in his first crop and he is the stallion’s first starter in Hong Kong.  After such a superb debut, more of his stock are sure to head there in future.

Keep The Faith (Sunday Silence) was a Caulfield stakes winner before transferring to North America where he ran a national record of 1.06.82s for 1200 metres.

Keep The Faith is standing for a $7,000 (inc gst) service fee at Swettenham this year.

 BLUE CAVIAR
Keep The Faith sprinter eased up after winning at Sha Tin

Photo / SCMP