Able Friend does it again

Hong Kong superstar Able Friend continued a tremendous week for his sire Shamardal on 15 March, coming with a devastating late burst of speed to land the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup at Sha Tin and record his third straight win at the highest level.

Settled towards the rear under Joao Moreira, Able Friend made progress on the inside rail but looked to be short of racing room as the field quickened for home. Switched out at the final furlong marker, the now six-year-old demonstrated his utter brilliance as he put the race to bed in a matter of strides, sweeping past his rivals and going on to win by two and a quarter lengths.

Now the winner of over £3 million in prizemoney, Able Friend has now won no fewer than ten races at Sha Tin, including the prestigious Hong Kong Mile last year.

Bred by Ramsey Pastoral Co Pty Limited, he is out of the Listed-winning, Group-placed mare Ponte Piccolo, herself a half-sister to G1 winner Global News.

Shamardal has enjoyed a superb few days, with Fond Words landing the Listed Prix Ronde de Nuit on Wednesday and Godolphin’s Tryster romping home to win the G3 Winter Derby yesterday. He stands at Kildangan Stud at a fee of €70,000 October 1st SLF.