Nothingilikemore cruises to Classic Mile success for Size and Moreira

Report: Hong Kong, Sunday
Sha Tin: The Hong Kong Classic Mile | 1m | 4yo | turf

Trainer John Size expects a bold show from Nothingilikemore in the Hong Kong Classic Cup next month following his stable star's victory in the HK$10 million Hong Kong Classic Mile at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The four-year-old, owned by the Happy Corner Syndicate, cruised to an easy success in the first leg of Hong Kong's three-race four-year-old Classic series, defeating Singapore Sling by a length and a quarter under Joao Moreira.

Sun Jewellery, Size's previous Classic Mile scorer, followed up in the Classic Cup in 2016 before finishing seventh behind Werther in the BMW Hong Kong Derby – a route Nothingilikemore is set to take.

Size said: "He's going to run well in the 1800[metre Classic Cup] – the tempo is going to be a bit different but he seems to be able to adapt to that once he settles and follows horses.

"I don't think that will worry him and I'd envisage that he'd go to the Derby as well.

"He seems to be capable of travelling in a field quite kindly and accelerate, so that's all you really want in a racehorse."

Moreira took a wide passage into the straight but the contest was soon over once Nothingilikemore hit top gear. The champion jockey has no concerns about the son of Husson staying 1m1f in the Classic Cup on February 18.

He said: "He keeps on surprising me every time he goes out there. Each time that Nothingilikemore races, he's more relaxed.

"He seems the type of horse that 1800 metres will not be a problem to him. He's very relaxed and I don't think another furlong is going to hammer him.

"I was a bit concerned on the bend today because he was kind of off the bridle but I know him very well and I knew that once I pulled him on the outside and gave him a clear run he'd dash home."

Former Racing Post Trophy winner Rivet finished a never-nearer fifth with More Than Lucky placing third.

Sha Tin results

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