Ten out of Ten Performance in Hong Kong

Karaka Select graduate Divine Ten (Holy Roman Emperor) continued his rise through the grades in Hong Kong with an impressive win the HK-3 HK$2,500,000 The Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap (1000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Divine Ten winning the HK-3 The Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap in Hong Kong on Sunday. Photo courtesy of HKJC.

In his first preparation, the four-year-old gelding has won five of his six starts with his only defeat coming when he missed the start in a 1000m dash at his third start for trainer Me Tsui.

The son of Holy Roman Emperor jumped well for leading rider Douglas Whyte and sat handy to the pace in the sprint over the 100m straight course.

When asked for an effort by Whyte Divine Ten burst to the lead and was able to hold off the challenge of Straight Gold (Stratum) and Golden Harvest (Al Maher) in a smart time of 56.27 seconds.

“He did that very well and we will wait for a 1200m race now, there’s nothing more for him at 1000m this season,” said Tsui. “There’s a Group 3 over 1200m in May, so we will maybe go there next.”

Yesterday’s win takes the career earnings of Divine Ten to HK$3,891,250 for his owner Wong Kwong Miu. Willie Leung of Magus Equine purchased the gelding at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale for $185,000 from Lyndhurst Farm.

Bred by Mr N Loukissas, Divine Ten is by former dual hemisphere sire Holy Roman Emperor and out of multiple stakes placegetter Zakynthos Star (Dehere).

New Zealand Bloodstock has enjoyed a good season in Hong Kong with Group 1 Hong Kong Mile winner Glorious Days (Hussonet) also a graduate of the Karaka Sale.