Caspar Fownes is optimistic Sky Darci (Darci Brahma) can erase the disappointment of successive luckless runs when he goes for Hong Kong Derby (Listed, 2000m) glory at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The winner of three races so far this season, Sky Darci finished sixth in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (Listed, 1600m) before suffering interference when seventh in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (Listed, 1800m).

Fownes, who won the Hong Kong Derby with Super Satin (Danehill Dancer) in 2010, is hopeful Sky Darci will finally enjoy a change of luck for Joao Moreira, who is bidding for his second Derby victory after triumphing on Rapper Dragon (Street Boss) in 2017.

“Sky Darci’s had a good preparation leading into the big race. I’m very happy with him – he’s where I want him,” Fownes said.

“Obviously, there’s going to be a slight query over the trip, that’s for sure, but he’s got the rating which will certainly take him a long way. He’s had a good ‘prep’ for this race, so he’s going to get his chance. If he runs the distance out well – he was held up the other day over 1800 metres and wasn’t fully tested and he got beaten a couple of lengths. So, with the extra furlong, if it works out good, he could run a nice race for us.

-ANZ Bloodstock News