Hall's triumphant galloper is ready to take another distance rise
Hong Kong's financial secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen didn't have to wait long after his budget this week to have one little wish come true at Sha Tin, with his four-year-old stayer Fuji Sunrise bringing off a third win from five starts for David Hall.
Inherited by Hall when David Hayes returned to Australia in July, Fuji Sunrise (Robbie Fradd) has come solid this season and might even have won another race with better luck.
Tang was on hand for the winning photo yesterday and to hear Hall's plans for the gelding may include a foray into Group handicap racing.
'I'm not sure what he has left to give us after what he has done but Fuji Sunrise was more dour today, he didn't ping like he has before, so it's possible that he could be suited by 2,400m in the Queen Mother's Memorial Cup,' said Hall.
That handicap is still a fair way off - May 7 - however, and while Fradd agreed the gelding may run 2,400m out, he said the state of the ground at that end of the season might be a worry.
'On the rock-hard tracks, he's sprinted brilliantly, that's what he needs,' the jockey said. 'But this track today had a little give in, they were just getting their toe in, and it did seem to take the edge off his sprint. That would be my worry in May when the tracks are softer.'
