Safeguard expat Kyrus Dragon returned from a spell on Wednesday evening to score his third win in Hong Kong for expat trainer David Hall and jockey Karis Teetan at the Happy Valley midweek meeting.
Stepping lively from an inside gate, he didn’t go around a runner and responded to Teetan’s persuader down the near-side flank to defeat the favourite Bienvenue (Star Turn) by three-quarters of a length in the Harbour View Hcp (1200m).
Kyrus Dragon (Photo / SCMP) is by Mogumber Park stallion Safeguard (Exceed And Excel) and his dam Dabang (He’s A Decoy) was a multiple Ascot winner for Loloma Farms owner Kevin Fowler. He’s the best of the mare’s three winners date and her final foal for Fowler is a 2yo colt by Playing God.
Dabang had been an $8,000 purchase for Loloma Farms out of the Castle Downs Thoroughbreds consignment to the 2012 Perth Magic Millions.
Her half-sister Fancy Feet (Fath) won twice at Ascot and their dam Colourband (Spectrum) was a half-sister to G3 Qld Tattersalls Cup winner Captain Test (Dehere).
Kyrus Dragon initially raced as Just Go in Perth where he won twice as a spring 3yo at Belmont before just missing black-type when fourth to My Bella Mae (Deep Field) in the LR Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) at Ascot.
A flashy chestnut with speed to burn, he was trained by Dion Luciani and was always going to be a target for international agents. “He was pretty impressive winning first-up and never looked like being run down today,” stable foreman Ian Glading said after he doubled up at Belmont.
“He’s still learning and his only loss so far was when he pulled up sore so there were excuses.”
The Placid Ark was his penultimate outing in WA before being purchased by Wong Ying Sheung. He doubled up at Happy Valley in his first season off-shore and was denied a hat-trick when runner-up to Aurora Lady (Star Witness) during the International Jockeys’ Championship (1200m) at Sha Tin.
Safeguard’s other Hong Kong winner Star Satyr had scored on debut at Belmont when he raced as Safe Satyr for trainer Meryl Hayley. Subsequently purchased by Adrian Hassan, he won the Mei Tin Hcp (1400m) at Sha Tin in June for trainer Tony Cruz.
Star Satyr was bred by Pinjarra-based Robbie Gardiner and was sold by Mogumber Park (as agent) for $32,000 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions. His dam Fairy Nymph (Equiano) has also foaled $280,000 earner Desert Nymph (Rommel).
Mogumber Park stands Safeguard for a $4,400 service fee alongside Marine One (Capitalist) who stands for $7,000. Fees (inc GST). Colin Brown can be contacted for bookings or further information at 0408 251 880.
