Kongo Rikishio went to the lead soon after the start and he set fractions of 25.20, 48.30, and 1:11.90 while being stalked by Down Town in second. At the top of the stretch, Floral Pegasus, who had stalked the pace in fourth the whole way, put in his rally and gained the lead at the 1/8 pole. However, Good Ba Ba, who was well back early under jockey Olivier Doleuze, ran with him and easily passed him with a furlong to go. The favorite was all out in the final strides to hold off the late charge of Creachadoir to win by a head in 1:34.50 over the good turf course. It was another 1 1/4 lengths back to Darjina in third, who put in a good rally but was left with too much ground to make up.
2007 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup and Mile
By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com Guide
Good Ba Ba wins the 2007 Hong Kong Mile
Good Ba Ba (outside) wins the 2007 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile
Cindy Pierson Dulay
The $16 million HK (about $2 million U.S.) Hong Kong Mile (G1) saw a field of thirteen older horses go 1600 meters (about 1 mile) around one turn of the turf course at Sha Tin Racecourse. Local hope Good Ba Ba, winner of the Mile Trial, was sent off as the lukewarm 3-1 favorite over Coolmore entrant and Breeders' Cup Mile runner-up Excellent Art at 7-2. French invader and 3-year-old filly Darjina was the 4-1 third choice in this contentious field, winner of the French 1000 Guineas and the Prix de Moulin de Longchamp.
Prev
- Ramonti wins the 2007 Hong Kong Cup
- Frankie Dettori jumps from the saddle
- Ramonti parardes for the fans
- Second place finisher Viva Pataca
- Third place finisher Musical Way
- Good Ba Ba wins the 2007 Hong Kong Mile
- Good Ba Ba in the winner's circle
- Good Ba Ba parades for the fans
- Second place finisher Creachadoir
- Third place finisher Darjina
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