NZB Quinella in Sha Tin Trophy

New Zealand horses continued to assert their authority in Hong Kong on Sunday with New Zealand Bloodstock graduates claiming five of the ten races on the card at Sha Tin.

Their dominance was no more evident than with a quinella in the feature race of the night, the Group 3 Sha Tin Trophy Hcp (1600m). The six-year-old Green Treasure (Danehill x Sitella) raced mid-field for most of the race before winning comfortably half a length ahead of fellow Karaka Premier Sale graduate, The Duke (Danehill x Mer du Sud).

Bought by prominent bloodstock agent, Willie Leung, for NZ$300,000, this is Green Treasure's second time out this season and his sixth win in Hong Kong. The race was also a training feat for trainer, Casper Fownes, who prepared the first four past the post.

The Kiwis started well winning the first of the night with Kiwi Dash (Gold Brose x Beautiful Sea) prevailing by three lengths in the Class 5 event over 1400m for trainer Paul O'Sullivan. Kiwi Dash was bought by Bryce Tankard at the 2002 Karaka Select Sale from Fayette Park Stud for NZ$145,000.

Other graduate winners included Champion King (Monolith x Garnett Court) in the Class 3 La Colline Hcp (1400m) and Crusader of Gold (Cape Cross x Cladagh) in the Class 4 Phillip Wain Hcp (1400m).

Bought by Simon & Katrina Alexander for just NZ$11,000 out of the 2004 Festival Sale, Champion King's win was just his third from seven starts for trainer Peter Ho and owner Ip May Ching.

Four-year-old, Crusader of Gold, was a NZ$180,000 purchase from the Phoenix Park draft at the 2004 Premier Sale and is trained by David Ferraris for a group of owners that includes Raymond Chow, owner of star performer in Hong Kong, Vengeance of Rain.

Former New Zealand horse Travel Leader (Danske x Platinum Blond) recorded his second win in Hong Kong in the Class 4 Elizabeth Arden Hcp (1800m). Originally raced in New Zealand under the name James Blond, he was stakes placed at his second start before transferring to Hong Kong. He was bought by Truffle Downs Ltd from Windsor Park Stud at the 2002 Karaka Premier Sale for NZ$57,500, and is now trained by Derek Cruz for Jackie Wong.