The rising star among the sprinting division in Hong Kong, Exceed and Excel's Mr Stunning, gave the locals at Sha Tin something to shout about in Sunday's Group 1The Longines Hong Kong Sprint but not before being given a fright by his stablemate DB pin.
Given a positive ride by Nash Rawiller, Mr Stunning sat on the speed set by Peniaphobia before hitting the front halfway down the straight. He looked vulnerable when the fellow John Size runner DB Pin came with a rattling run. However, Mr Stunning dug in and was strong to the line to record his third consecutive win. (photos Grant Courtney )
"He travelled relaxed, the speed was on but the pressure wasn't quite what I expected," Rawiller said.
He jumped well and I wasn't going to give any ground. I was meeting them on equal weights and was on the best horse so I wasn't too worried about them chasing me down.
"I was on the best horse but it has been a long time coming for me in Hong Kong.
Mr Stunning was a $250,000 purchase by Magus Equine out of the Lyndhurst Farm draft at the 2014 NZB Premier Yearling Sale after Lyndhurst had pinhooked the son of Exceed And Excel for $110,000 out of the Makybe draft at the 2013 Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale
Mr Stunning advances his record to 10 wins, 2 seconds and 1 third from 16 starts.
Bred by Tony Santic, Mr Stunning is the fifth winner from the Dayur mare With Fervour (USA), who was sold for just $6,000 in 2013 but died a year later.
With Fervour (USA) was a half-sister to five-time Group I winner With Anticipation from Kentucky and Hollywood Oaks winner Fran's Valentine.
Mr Stunning becomes the 11th Group 1 winner for Darley Stud's resounding stud success Exceed And Excel.
