Ensued took a vital important step towards the 2024 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) on 8 December with victory in the HK$4.2 million G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) under an inspired ride by Karis Teetan at Sha Tin on Sunday (3 November).
Third in last season’s Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), John Size’s charge jumped from barrier 13 before sliding forward and benefiting from Moments In Time’s mid-race move – which injected speed into the race and effectively split the field into two divisions – to ultimately have a perfect run.
Settling fifth behind leader All For St Paul’s, Ensued (115lb) forged into clear running at the top of the straight before hitting the front 200m out and holding off La City Blanche (119lb) by three quarters of a length in 1m 46.41s. Chancheng Glory (121lb) was third.
Earning a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million as well as HK$2.35 million in prizemoney, Ensued improved his Hong Kong record to four wins and two minor placings from nine starts and holds entries in both the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) and the HK$24 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) on 8 December.