Sebring youngster wins first HK Griffin race

The first Griffin race of the Hong Kong season was won by the lone Australian, and lone two-year-old, in Sebring's Amusing City.

The race had just six starters, four Irish bred three-year-olds, a Japanese bred three-year-old and Amusing City, with the weight advantage for two year-olds and some obvious improvement from his trials proving enough.

Looking something of an unfinished product in those trials, the John Moore trained youngster showed good gate speed at his first race to lead and despite being headed inside the final furlong by Lucky Master fought admirably to come again and win narrowly.

Initially offered in the Fig Tree Thoroughbreds draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where he made $130,000 to the bid of Les Kelly, Amusing City was re-offered at the Magic Millions Gold Coast 2YOs In Training Sale in Washpool Lodge's draft, selling to Beamish Bloodstock for $200,000.

He is the third foal, second to race and second winner for Anabaa mare Amusements, a half-sister to former smart sprinter and Magic Millions winner Karuta Queen.