Another Feature Win for Superstar Aussie Miler

Australian bred five year-old Able Friend was magnificent when winning the Group I HK International Mile before Christmas and again showed his dominance with a resounding win in the Group I Stewards Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Turned out in top order by John Moore, the big chestnut son of Shamardal (USA) settled near the rear for Joao Moreira and surged away over the concluding stages to win by a length and a half.

"I'd have to rate him number one, in front of Viva Pataca," said John Moore in comparing him to the best horses he has trained.

"The way he won today showed everyone around the world and in Hong Kong that he's the best miler, but he's got to go overseas to prove himself. On the local scene, people will always have their doubts.

"I do think we've seen today that we have another Silent Witness here in Hong Kong.

"Silent Witness went to Japan and proved himself, but for what Able Friend's done so far, I think the world will stand up and take note of this horse and look forward to seeing him in an overseas campaign. We're lucky to have him here."

As to where in the world Able Friend might make his first overseas foray, Moore and Moreira were in agreement, although owner Dr. Cornel Li expressed reluctance to go offshore, at least until later in the year when he would be open to the Yasuda Kinen in Japan or Royal Ascot.

"My personal opinion would be to go to Dubai," said the trainer. "It's a 10-day turnaround and it's just easy there and easy back. I will be recommending that to Dr Li. We'll have lunch in the next 10 days and we'll sit down and toss up the pros and cons of US$6 million."

Moreira agreed: "Dubai would be the best place to go, in my opinion, but that's the owners' call. Wherever they go with the horse, I will be very pleased to stay sitting on top of him."

A $550,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the draft of Turangga Farm, Able Friend has the impressive record of nine wins and five placings from 15 starts and there is more to come.

He is the first winner for stakes-winning Volksraad (GB) mare Ponte Piccolo, who has since been on-sold by Turangga Farm and the story of her new owners is here.

A proven source of Group I winners, Stuart Ramsey's Turangga Farm will be selling at the 2015 Inglis Classic and to see their draft click here.