2012 Longines Hong Kong Cup and Mile

By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com Guide

A field of 12 older horses went to post in the HK$16 million ($2.1 million U.S.) Longines Hong Kong Mile (G1) at 1600 meters. Glorious Days was sent off as the 7-5 favorite off a win in the Jockey Club Mile (G2), the major local prep for this event. In to challenge him included 3-1 second choice Ambitious Dragon, fifth in the Jockey Club Mile and winless since the BMW Champions Mile (G1) in June, and 4-1 third choice Packing Whiz, winner of the Sa Sa Ladies' Purse (G3) two starts back then fourth in the Jockey Club Cup (G2) last out.

Jockey Olivier Peslier sent 100-1 Don Bosco to the lead exiting the chute and he set fractions of 24.88, 47.79, and 1:11.08 over the good turf course, while stalked by 89-1 Packing OK and 10-1 Grand Prix Boss. Entering the lane, Don Bosco tired as favorite Glorious Days, fifth early, moved up to take a short lead at the 1/8 pole. Ambitious Dragon, 10th early, closed down the center of the course to win by 3/4 length in 1:34.12. It was another 1 1/2 length back from Glorious Days to Packing OK third.

Results chart from HKJC with video replay