When Tomodachi Kokoroe arrived in Hong Kong last year, David Hayes harboured modest ambitions with the gelding despite a statistically imposing record in Australia but, such has been speedster’s progress in his new surroundings, he has earned a tilt at Lucky Sweynesse in the HK$5.35 million G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (7 April).
Dual Hong Kong champion trainer Hayes is happy to concede the galloper formerly known in Australia as Bank Bank Bank has exceeded expectations with four wins and three seconds from 15 starts, HK$7.4 million in prize money and a surge up the handicap this season from 61 to 92 and believes there is scope for even more improvement.
“When he arrived and I hadn’t worked him, I thought his Cairns form wouldn’t be good enough in Hong Kong,” Hayes said, referencing the Written Tycoon gelding’s six straight wins at Cairns and Townsville for Ricky Ludwig.
“But the moment I worked him, I knew he had something and he’s gone above expectations – and I don’t think he’s finished. He looks like he’s training on nicely. This is his biggest test, of course.”
Having posted a Class 4 win at Happy Valley in October, Tomodachi Kokoroe added two Class 3 victories before scoring in Class 1 two starts ago on 21 February.