Size Targets Four-Year-Old Classic Series with Promising Resurgent Stayer
SingTao · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Four-year-old gelding Mr. Firm is set to make his season debut at Sha Tin Racecourse on Monday, October 19, carrying 135 pounds from barrier 11 in the Class 3 Lek Yuen Handicap (1200m). The John Size-trained stayer, who accumulated three wins by a combined six and three-quarter lengths last season, is earmarked for the lucrative Four-Year-Old Classic Series worth HK$56 million in total prize money. Owner-trainer Size, who enjoyed a stellar debut season in Hong Kong with 28 wins and a Group 3 victory, believes the horse has matured significantly and can handle the step up in distance as the series progresses through three legs culminating in the 150th Hong Kong Derby in March.
Key Points
- The Four-Year-Old Classic Series comprises three legs with total prize money of HK$56 million, including the HK$28 million 150th Hong Kong Derby
- Mr. Firm finished third in a barrier trial at Conghua on September 28, clocking 57.21 seconds behind Lucky Together and Jia Ying Qibing
- The horse carries a current rating of 80 after winning a Class 3 race last season, with jockey Antoine Hamelin retained for Monday's assignment
- Trainer John Size completed his first Hong Kong season with 28 wins and a Group 3 championship, declaring the horse has grown more mature
- Galaxy Wire will bypass Monday's HK$5.35 million Sha Tin Trophy, targeting the BOCHK Private Wealth Mile and LONGINES Hong Kong Mile instead
Why It Matters
The Four-Year-Old Classic Series has historically served as the proving ground for Hong Kong's next generation of elite stayers, with former winners including legendary names that have gone on to dominate international competition. Size's strategic approach of gradually extending Mr. Firm's distance through the series could yield a dual-purpose performer capable of competing at both mile and extended distances, potentially strengthening Hong Kong's middle-distance pool for seasons to come .
The Four-Year-Old Classic Series has historically served as the proving ground for Hong Kong's next generation of elite stayers, with former winners including legendary names that have gone on to dominate international competition. Size's strategic approach of gradually extending Mr. Firm's distance through the series could yield a dual-purpose performer capable of competing at both mile and extended distances, potentially strengthening Hong Kong's middle-distance pool for seasons to come .