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Son of Darci Brahma looks to add sixth win to record

The Caspar Fownes-trained New Zealand Sky Darci (Darci Brahma) heads 14 selected runners for the Hong Kong Derby (Listed, 2000m) at Sha Tin on 21 March.

The winners of the first two legs of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series – Australian-bred Excellent Proposal (Exceed And Excel) who triumphed in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (Listed, 1600m) and fellow Australian-bred Healthy Happy (Zoustar), who lifted the Hong Kong Classic Cup (Listed, 1800m) – are prominent among the entries.

“The BMW Hong Kong Derby has always been a focal point in the racing season – a once-in-a-lifetime challenge that every owner aspires to take part in,” said Hong Kong Jockey Club’s executive director of Racing Andrew Harding. 

“The 2021 renewal will provide yet another chapter to an enduring story of excellence and achievement. Without an overwhelmingly dominant favourite, this year’s race shapes as one of the most intriguing in recent memory.”

Sky Darci, winner of the Chevalier Cup Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin last November, could face two top-flight winners in the shape of Shadow Hero (Pierro), who landed the 2019 Spring Champion Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) and 2020 Randwick Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) and three- time Chilean Grade 1 winner Panfield (Lookin At Lucky). 

Meanwhile, Group 3 winner Russian Emperor (Galileo) - who is a son of multiple Group 1 winning champion Atlantic Jewel (Fastnet Rock) - also features among the entries for the 2000 metre event.