The first of the 2012 Hong Kong International Sales' stock were revealed at yesterday's Sha Tin turf trials and the Peter Ng Bik-kuen-trained Dragon Keeper impressed most with a professional display.
The two-year-old son of Keeper was knocked down for HK$3.7 million to clients of Ng, and the shrewd horseman looks to have a precocious talent on his hands.
The grey was a touch fresh going to the gates, but once loaded, the nerves were gone and he took the new experience in his stride.
He jumped nicely for Keith Yeung Ming-lun, stuck straight to the outside rail from the widest gate and raced on the bunny throughout his 800m heat.
The overall time of 47.84 was the slowest of the four short course jump-outs, but he got home in a tidy 22.7, and the horse's no-fuss attitude should ensure a decent career if he stays sound.
Lot 12 of the sales was a favourite of HKIS executive Mark Richards, who described the gelding as 'a mature, no-thrills racehorse ... neat and compact with a decent attitude' before the auction.