HONG Kong-owned Gneiss finished a disappointing sixth in yesterday's Newgate Stud Middle Park Stakes, prematurely ending hopes that he would develop in a Guineas colt.
The race was won in a driving finish by First Trump, owned, ironically, by Mollers Racing, owned by relatives of the late Eric Moller, a former Hong Kong-based businessman.
First Trump was produced late by jockey Michael Hills, swooping on the inside to collar stablemate Owington, ridden by Pat Eddery. Both are trained by Geoff Wragg, who will preparing them for next year's 2,000 Guineas on April 30.
Gneiss is owned by Hong Kong Jockey Club Race-day Steward Matthew Oram and breeder Ron Kirkwood, who reportedly turned down an extremely attractive offer for the colt from Sheikh Mohammed.
Bookmakers Ladbrokes have both First Trump and Owington at 25-1 for the 2,000 Guineas.