It might seem late in the day to be producing Hong Kong Derby hopes, but trainer Andreas Schutz is holding onto the dream that Genki Twins can make the classic grade after turning his form around at almost 50-1 to win yesterday.
Out of the prize money at his first five outings in Class Two, the former British galloper had caught the eye dropping to Class Three and finishing off against the tempo at his sixth run, but Genki Twins (Neil Callan) went on with it this time.
Relishing a good pace, he won with some authority and took himself back up to Class Two with some momentum this time.
"He still has a Derby entry. We'll see what his rating goes to after this and I'll discuss it with the owners but I never lost faith in the horse," Schutz said.
"He has run a Class One time, he won with some comfort and carried 133 pounds, so I think he's worthy of a place if he can get one. We'll see."
Although Genki Twins had been well back in his earlier races at the finish, Schutz said the process of acclimatisation had been the key, as it is with so many European horses.
"Some of his runs had been quite good, but he had been too keen in his races and had to be ridden quietly to try to relax him," Schutz explained.
"I told the owners that he would come good when he settled better.
"His work had been better lately and I felt he was settling down, so after his last run I discussed with the owner that we should try to have him a bit closer.
"Not so close that he overraced but I asked Neil to put him where his speed allowed him to be without bustling him, wherever he was comfortable.
"They went a solid speed today, he was able to find his rhythm and that's what he hadn't been able to do in those other races," the trainer added.
