Italian jockey Andrea Atzeni, fresh from a four-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday (8 March), will reunite with the Chris So-trained Top Dragon in the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), the final leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, on Sunday, 22 March. So is hoping that luck will finally be on their side.

Top Dragon has been consistent in recent runs: fifth in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) two starts back, and a gallant second – beaten only a short head – in the Class 2 Year Of The Horse Cup Handicap (1600m) last start. Both efforts were hampered by interference, crowded near the 150m in the Classic Mile and again in the straight last time, leaving the horse short of clear running.

So said: “Hopefully we will have better luck in the Derby. He ran exceptionally well last start, just no luck at all. However, he pulled up well. He’s very consistent, and if we can have better luck this time and can enjoy the run of the race, he’ll run a good race in the Derby.”

Top Dragon’s rating has risen to 87 following his close second in the Year Of The Horse Cup. The Pierata gelding has recorded three wins, four seconds and two thirds from 13 career starts.

So bypassed the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), instead targeting the BMW Hong Kong Derby directly. A barrier trial is scheduled for Tuesday (10 March), with Atzeni aboard. “Atzeni rode him well three starts back in a Class 2 mile race, so I believe he can bring out the best in the horse. Skipping the Classic Cup means the trial will sharpen him up nicely two weeks before the big race,” So explained.

“I’ve always believed he can handle the 2000m trip of the Derby. I look forward to seeing him run another honest race in the final leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sagacious Life, trained by Pierre Ng, will trial later this week under Derby jockey Karis Teetan. Currently rated 97, Sagacious Life finished last of 14 in the Hong Kong Classic Cup after Zac Purton was forced to check near the 200m.

“The incident in the straight cost him the race (the Hong Kong Classic Cup),” Ng said. “But he’s fine now, no issues at all. I’m pleased with his condition and will give him a barrier trial later this week. Hopefully he can run better in the Derby.”