2007 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase and Sprint

By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com Guide

The first of the Group 1 events on Sunday was the $12 million HK (about $1.54 million U.S.) Hong Kong Sprint (G1) at 1200 meters (about 6 furlongs) on the turf. Local hero and winner of the Sprint Trial, Sacred Kingdom, was sent off as the 2-5 favorite in the field of 13 over the Australian mare and 7-2 second choice Miss Andretti, winner of 4 Group 1 events this year. Last year's winner Absolute Champion was the 9-1 third choice on the board, off his second place finish in the Sprint Trial.

Royal Delight was sent to the lead immediately and set the pace of 23.70 and 45.90 down the backstretch while being stalked by Why Be and Miss Andretti. At the 1/4 pole, Royal Delight stubbornly held onto the lead as Why Be and Miss Andretti faded from contention. Absolute Champion moved up to challenge for the lead in mid-stretch. However, favorite Sacred Kingdom, who raced well back early, found running room in the stretch and took over the lead inside the 1/8 pole and drew away to win by 2 1/4 lengths in a time of 1:08.40 over the good turf. Absolute Champion took second away from pacesetter Royal Delight by 1/2 a length, while Miss Andretti finished 10th beaten 12 3/4 lengths.

Results chart from HKJC
Race replay from HKJC