Able One More Than Able

NZB graduate Able One proved that he was more than able last night leading home a NZB trifecta at Sha Tin in the HKG3 Prince Jewellery Premier Cup (1400m).

The convincing one-and-a-half length victory is Able One's third consecutive black type win after taking out the International Group One Champion's Mile (1600m) and the HK2 Chairman's Trophy (1600m) in April. It is the second time the John Moore-trained seven-year-old has won the race, also claiming the title in 2008.

By former shuttle sire Cape Cross and out of Gardenia (Danehill) Able One was bred by Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan at their Cambridge Stud. Initially sold at the 2004 Karaka Select Sale for $190,000 Able One was then pinhooked to top the 2004 Ready to Run Sale where he was snapped up by Paul Beamish Bloodstock for $270,000 from Phoenix Park.  Able One is owned by Dr & Mrs Cornel Li Fook Kwan.

The Paul O'Sullivan-trained Aashiq (Viking Ruler x Join the Fun) galloped home for second to bring his total earnings to $546,222. Purchased by Lance O'Sullivan at the 2007 Karaka Carnival Sale for $40,000 from Brighthill Farm, the four-year-old is owned by Indian Horse Lovers Syndicate. 

Aashiq is half-brother to smart Richard Collett trained three-year-old Finderskeepers (Keeper), who was Group 2 Avondale Guineas placed this season, with Aashiq's full-brother bought at the Karaka Select Yearling Sale in February by Albizia Lodge for $130,000 by Michael Stedman Bloodstock.

Completing a New Zealand trifecta Thumbs Up (Shinko King x Regelle) came home for third. Prepared by Caspar Fownes and ridden by Brett Doyle, this performance brings the four-year-old's earnings tally to $2,840,635 for owner Leung Chung Shan.