A pair of Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby hopefuls went toe-to-toe in an all-weather trial at Sha Tin yesterday as they rounded-out preparations for next Sunday's big race.
Bullish Champion and Fay Fay finished one-two in their 1,200m dirt jump-out, both looking as good as can be for their first try over 2,000m.
Earlier this season, Tony Cruz said Bullish Champion would not get more than 1,200m after he failed to run out a strong 1,400m, but he then produced two strong runs over the seven furlongs.
Excited owners convinced Cruz to try his luck in the Derby and the classy colt will now jump the extra 600m with five weeks between runs.
Matthew Chadwick (pictured) will ride Bullish Champion on Sunday week and yesterday he gave the muscular type a decent hit out, taking him to the front and was then slipping him some rein down the stretch to ensure he won the trial.
The John Size-trained Fay Fay seems to have peaked on his rating of 110 and might have just reached his limit, but he could not be faulted on yesterday's strong display.