Trainer Nick Moore has mapped out an ambitious program for his exciting four year Sport Genius who showed great determination in scoring a last stride win over the hot favorite Diamond Moonlight, in Saturday’s Class 3 over 1050m in Macau.
With regular rider Luis Corrales in the saddle, Sport Genius after a tardy beginning soon mustered speed to sit at the girth of Diamond Moonlight.
It was obvious before the turn that it was just a two horse affair with the two runners singling out for a thrilling battle over the final 200m.
Sport Genius, the much smaller of the two horses, dug deep to dive late for a head victory on the line.
It was a much relived Nick Moore after the race and the rookie trainer announced that he will be aiming the son of Ocean Park towards the Four Year Old Classics, such as the Derby Trial and the Gr.1 Macau Guineas.
“He really got to the line well it was a super effort," Moore said. "It was the first time with the blinkers and he didn’t rev up he was nice and relaxed in the run and found plenty.
"If you look at the race, watch how he picked up when he switched to his left lead; that’s his weapon. He really got into his work after that.”
“Before the race of course we knew the $1.6 favorite Diamond Moonlight was going to be very hard to toss. He bolted in on the rain affected sand last start and his times for the distance were far superior to my horse. But my little man is real tough little fighter and he is looking to go further.”
Whilst it might seem a little ambitious at the present, Moore is optimistic that Sport Genius is the type of horse that could give him his second Macau Guineas.
“It’s a good way off yet but I do think he has all the qualities it takes for a race like the Guineas," he said. "He is not a great beginner but he has good speed to put himself into the race and he knows where the post is.”
Bred in partnership by Jane Taylor, The Taylor Family Trust and Trelawney Thoroughbreds, Sport Genius was passed in at the 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock yearling Sales. He returned later in the year as a Ready To Run 2YO and was purchased by the Macau Jockey Club for $46,000 when consigned by Diamond Lodge.
Sport Genius has now won five of his eight starts in Macau and over M$724,000 in stakes. -Harry Troy, MJC
