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Macau trainer Joe Lau has secured the services of Super Jockey Joao Moreira for his Macau Derby winner Sacred Capital in next Wednesday night’s Group 3 January Cup over 1800 metres at Happy Valley

Sacred Capital  turned in a grand performance in the Group 3 Sa Sa Ladies Purse back in November coming from the tail of the field at the top of the straight, to run fourth only beaten two lengths behind Southern Legend. 

Lau is banking on the Magic of Moreira to go the extra yard in Wednesday's race where the five year old will again meet Southern Legend and Time Warp, along with Simply Brilliant who won the race last year.

"Yes we are really thrilled that Joao (Moreira) has taken the ride.  The horse ran a great race for us in the Ladies Purse after not much went right in the run, so we are confident he will run well on Wednesday.

"It's a different circuit Happy Valley to Sha Tin but I'm sure he will handle it as he raced well on the  smaller sand circuit in Macau in his lead up run for this race." Lau said.

Sacred Capital has only raced once since his return from Hong Kong and that was in a Class 1 over 1350 metres on December 7, when he powered home late for second behind all weather star Hostwin Meraki only beaten three quarters of a length.

Prior to his departure for Hong Kong the gelding was topped off with an easy trial on the grass over 1000 metres on December 28.

"He trailed really well and he has arrived in Hong Kong in great order so we couldn't be happier with him.  We've got the right man on top so here's hoping for bit of luck to come our way."

Lau has savored victory in Hong Kong  in the past with his grand performer Crown's Gift winning the inaugural running of the Hong Kong – Macau Trophy over 1600 metres at Sha Tin in 2004.

He then he came within a neck of winning the Trophy again in 2016 with The Alfonso after a luckless second to Dashing Fellow.