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Snow Fairy impresses in Hong Kong

Sun 12th Dec 2010, 11:15

Snow Fairy turned in another jaw-dropping display to win the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin.

The brilliant dual Oaks winner came from a different parish to collar Irian under an ice-cool Ryan Moore.

Ed Dunlop's three-year-old was adding to last month's similarly impressive triumph in the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup in Japan.

Fellow British raiders Sri Putra and Glass Harmonium finished a respective 11th and 12th, having failed to show their best form.

The same cannot be said of Snow Fairy, who was truly outstanding.

Reassuringly for her supporters, she will now stay in training as a four-year-old.

Although Packing Winner - the eventual third - teed up a generous pace, Moore was content to hunt, rather than chase, towards the rear of the field.

Even heading into the final one and a half furlongs, the Intikhab filly still had at least seven horses in front of her.

But Moore's sangfroid patience was vindicated as Snow Fairy suddenly hit her stride and weaved into contention.

Irian still looked to have pinched the Group One encounter under Brett Prebble, but Moore came with an exceptional late surge to take the glory by a neck.

Last year's winner, Vision D'Etat, finished fourth in the hands of Olivier Peslier.

Snow Fairy has now won four races at the highest level, taking her career earnings to over £2million.

Dunlop said: "All credit to my staff who have worked so hard on an amazing day for the yard.

"I thought it was too close between races to run her after Japan and she didn't gallop for seven weeks.

"To do it against the colts for the first time in her life puts her down as an exceptional horse, there can be no doubt over that.

"She will definitely stay in training, no question, and you never know, she could be back here next year."

Moore added: "On the top of the bend I thought I had no chance but she quickened up so well and is an absolute machine to do what she did.

"They went fast into the first turn and then steadied. She has such a brilliant turn of foot.

"You would struggle to find too many fillies that could have done what she did."

Philip Robinson, rider of Sri Putra, said: "He ran a cracking race.

"He's stayed on well and for me he'd have a good chance of winning this same race next year."