Storming finish gives Marcus victory on Smashing Pumpkin
Smashing Pumpkin stormed into the Hong Kong Derby picture with a flying victory in the HK$1.1 million Sha Tin Trophy last night.
The star of the David Hayes stable swept from last to a dominating first in the 1,600-metre domestic Group Three event - leaving his trainer wreathed in smiles.
'Sometimes it all works out according to plan and this was one of those nights. The plan was to hold him right up and come home as late as possible.
I told Basil [Marcus] I didn't mind if he was beaten as long as he was beaten really running on,' said the championship-leading trainer who, with his stable jockey, went on to record a tremendous winning treble.
Smashing Pumpkin (12-1) scored a convincing length-and-a-quarter victory over heavy favourite Michael's Choice (3-1), with front-running Victory And Gold (25-1) holding on well for third.
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