Aiming to extend a remarkable consistency, David Hall hopes Flying Ace can kick-start his stable’s quest for more success in the HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) when the 2024/25 Hong Kong season opens at Sha Tin on Sunday (8 September).
Hall notched 44 wins last season to match his previous best haul – set in 2022/23 – crowning another fine campaign with Invincible Sage’s triumph in the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m).
The Melbourne Cup-winning trainer won the opening race of last season with Dazzling Fellow in tandem with Hugh Bowman, who takes the mount on Flying Ace in Sunday’s feature.
“I thought Flying Ace trialled really well (when second over 1050m at Sha Tin on 27 August). He’s on a difficult rating (107) and there’s not a lot of choice for him in terms of where to go,” Hall said.
“I thought he went really well in the trial. He had a break at Conghua and came out and trialled quite sharply, so that was positive.”
Flying Ace galloped on Monday morning (2 September) under Bowman, quickening over the final 800m in 50.0s (27.1s, 22.9s) at Sha Tin.
The winner of six races from 22 starts in Hong Kong, the Swiss Ace gelding rose from 88 to 107 in the ratings last season, posting solid results at the elite level in finishing fifth to Victor The Winner in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) and fourth to stablemate Invincible Sage in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize.
Hall, however, is adopting a conservative approach with the seven-year-old after previous soundness issues.
“He’s had knee surgery and he climbed the ladder a long way last season and any win he can get now is a bonus,” Hall said. “Given where his rating is, there’s no real lofty goals but we just want for him to continue to perform as well as he has and if he can pinch one, it would be a big bonus.”
Flying Ace is among 10 entries for the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup and could face Ka Ying Rising, Lucky With You, Majestic Knight, Packing Treadmill, Beauty Charge, Superb Capitalist, Beauty Waves, Harmony N Blessed and Baby Crystal.