Sterling City (Aus) stormed into contention for the G1 Hong Kong Sprint in December with a brilliant victory at Group 2 level on Sunday for trainer John Moore.

Sterling City (5g Nadeem – So Gorgeous by Brief Truce) was backed into favouritism for the G2 Premier Bowl at Sha Tin and, with Joao Moreira in the saddle, proved too good for Bullish Champion and Charles The Great.

“He has taken the necessary steps to be competitive at the top level,” Moore said.  “He’s genuine, sound and a welcome addition to my Class 1 team.”

Moore won the 2008 Hong Kong Sprint with Inspiration (Flying Spur).

Sterling City is an Australian bred son of Nadeem bred by the late Philip Esplin.  He is a younger half-brother to G2 Tulloch Stakes winner Tipungwuti (Fusaichi Pegasus) and sold for $200,000 at the 2010 Inglis Easter yearling sale.

Their dam So Gorgeous grabbed a Flemington G2 double in the 2000 VRC Edward Manifold Stakes and Ascot Vale Stakes.  Her latest foal is a Magic Albert filly born on September 3.

Nadeem stood at Darley Kelvinside before transferring to New Zealand last year.  He is also the sire of Sharnee Rose who has won the G3 Golden Pendant and G3 Angst Quality at her last two starts in Sydney.

Nadeem (Redoute’s Choice) stands at Little Avondale for a $10,000 fee alongside Towkay (Last Tycoon) and Per Incanto (Street Cry).

“It’s a tremendous thrill,” part-owner Gary Ling said at Sha Tin.  “We are very thankful to Henry Plumptre for selecting Sterling City for us at the Inglis Easter Sale and we’re looking forward to December’s International Races.”

Sterling City has won 6 of his 15 starts in Hong Kong and Sunday’s Group 2 increased his earnings to to HK$7 million (AUD 941,065).

– Karl Patterson

STERLING CITY