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The New Zealand influence was heavily stamped all over the result of the Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The John Size-trained Beat The Clock claimed his second elite level success when he wore down Savabeel’s son Rattan in the shadows of the post with a brave Little Giant, a son of Swiss Ace, close up in third in the HK$16 million contest.

Beat The Clock is a graduate of the 2015 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, sold out of the Prima Park draft for $200,000.

Rattan also made his way through the New Zealand Bloodstock sale series as a graduate from the Mapperley Stud draft at the 2015 National Yearling Sale where he was knocked down to the bid of local bloodstock agent Bruce Perry for $150,000 before finding his way to Hong Kong.

Little Giant is a product of Gerry Harvey’s Westbury Stud in Karaka and was unbeaten in two starts in New Zealand for trainer Lisa Latta before being sold to Hong Kong clients.

“I would say the race actually went perfectly for him,” winning rider Joao Moreira said.

“Rattan wasn’t giving up, he was dashing home and made it very hard but fortunately we have a very brave horse. He tries his best and once again he’s done it.”  

It was Beat The Clock’s eighth win and his second at Group One level, having taken the Gr.1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) in January but this was certainly his finest moment after minor placings this day last year and in the Gr.1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) last December. 

“He is a joy to take to the races, that’s for sure, because he’s so consistent and such a willing participant,” trainer John Size said.

“He’s come strong at five years of age and it should be his best season and he’s done that, he’s delivered with his two Group Ones.”