Flaming Rabbit Out-Does Talented HK Competition

Trainer Douglas Whyte hopes Flaming Rabbit can ascend to Group company next season after the classy import eclipsed a talent-laden field to win the Class 2 Kau Sai Chau Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Monday night, reports racingnews.hkjc.com. Earning a HK$2 million PP Bonus by posting his first Hong Kong win after three minor placings, Flaming Rabbit delivered on the ability he had displayed in three wins in Europe for German trainer Peter Schiergen with a tough front-running performance under Lyle Hewitson. Showing tremendous grit, 4YO Flaming Rabbit (Time Test-Ronja, by El Corredor) had a length-and-a-quarter on the line from Find My Love with Sauvestre, a further length away in third place, while 3YO Howdeepisyourlove was an eye-catching fourth after storming from the rear of the field on the turn. "He's a lovely horse, he's probably been a bit unlucky in some circumstances, but he also creates his own luck with his gate speed and tonight was probably the telling of him. There was a lot of pressure early and he was still very strong at the end," Whyte said of Flaming Rabbit. "That shows he's certainly getting better, mentally stronger and adapting to Hong Kong's style of racing. He got here late in his 4YO season and he's adapted very quickly and accepted everything I've asked of him."

Flaming Rabbit looks to have a big future (pic: hkjc.com)