Hayes expects Bustling City to rebound at Sha Tin
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
David Hayes has moved to restore confidence in Bustling City after the horse’s surprise defeat as a $1.4 favourite at Sha Tin on Sunday. Hayes said he still believes the runner could become Hong Kong’s new “dirt king” and expects a better showing on Wednesday night.
Key Points
- Hayes described Bustling City as a horse who “could be the new dirt king in Hong Kong” despite the upset loss at Sha Tin on October 18.
- The defeat came one day after Hayes also endured Ka Ying Rising’s narrow loss in The Everest over 1,200 metres at Randwick on October 17.
- Bustling City started at $1.4 after an explosive seven-length seasonal return win, but failed to repeat that performance when pressured in front.
- After being taken on by Cala Dei Mori in the lead, Bustling City kicked clear early in the straight before Kempes finished strongly to win by half a length.
- Jockey Brenton Avdulla told Hayes he felt the inside section of the all-weather track was not favourable on the day.
Why It Matters
Bustling City remains a horse to watch in Hong Kong’s dirt division because Hayes has publicly maintained his high rating after a rare odds-on defeat. The explanation offered by Avdulla also gives local racing followers a track-bias angle to assess before Wednesday night’s meeting.