Irish-bred Waikuku edged Beauty Generation in a thrilling Stewards’ Cup (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
With Beauty Generation setting a strong pace in the lead, Joao Moreira waited until into the home straight before challenging on Waikuku, the pair settling down to a duel that saw Waikuku edge it by at the finish, the pair well clear of the third home Ka Ying Star.
Size, who was winning the Stewards’ Cup for the sixth time, is yet to make a decision about Waikuku’s next assignment but the 11-time champion trainer intimated to the HKJC that he could take a patient approach into the Group 1 Champions Mile at the end of April.
“I might give him a little break now and just aim for that race,” Size said, while all but ruling out a step up to 2000m, the distance at which Waikuku was an unlucky second in last year’s Hong Kong Derby.
“I think the 2000 metres might be too tough for him and he’s winning at a mile so I can’t see any reason to change.
“He’s been going very well this season – he’s made improvement along the way and delivered on his promises so he’s just a lovely horse to have in the stable.”
A four-year-old son of Harbour Watch (Acclamation), Waikuku has won seven of his 15 starts in Hong Kong and Ireland.