Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup
Group 1, Sha Tin HK$20 million 1m 2f
Sunday 30th April 2017

1 Neorealism 7/2
2 Pakistan Star 9/5
3 Werther EvensF
8 ran Distances: nk, nk, ¾l Time: 2m 4.59s

Joao Moreira was the toast of Sha Tin after a daring mid-race move on Neorealism enabled the Japanese raider to plunder the valuable Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup.

The affectionately-named 'Magic Man' took the bull by the horns at the 850-metres pole, committing his mount to circumnavigate the field off what was a slow early pace.

It was a ploy that could have backfired, but Moreira makes few mistakes and was not going to do that in the most historic race in the Hong Kong calendar.

Indeed, although Blazing Speed, race favourite Werther and Pakistan Star tried to reel them in, Neorealism and Moreira were not for catching and hung on in the gamest fashion to beat the latter by a neck. It was just a short head back to Werther, with Blazing Speed only three-quarters of a length further away in fourth.

Moreira, who had the day's jockey challenge wrapped up after only four of the 10 races, reflected that Neorealism had not been at his best when running in the Mile at the International meeting in December.

He said: "In December we didn't see the best of this horse but I knew Mr (Noriyuki) Hori (trainer) would have him on his A-game today.

"What makes this a very special day is that it's my first QEII, and it's a race that I've always wanted to win."

Describing his decision to inject a telling burst of pace into the Group One, the Brazilian added: "From the gate we jumped a little slow but that worked well as I was able to get him to relax.

"Going down the back I realised I had to make my move. We had some freedom and before the 800-pole I let him go. I could have gone a little earlier, but it all worked out."

Hori said: "I had difficulty keeping his condition when he ran here in December, but learned a lot from that experience.

"I was completely happy that we would see the best of him today, as he had pleased Joao with his work on the training track this week. Joao is a legend here and that was one of the best big-race rides I've seen him make.

"We now have some international options but before deciding exactly where he'll go, we need to see how he comes out of this and then discuss."

Werther started a hot favourite to repeat his 2016 success for John Moore and Hugh Bowman but after looming like the probable winner 400 metres out, appeared to get tired. He came into the race off a lighter preparation than ideal.

Neil Callan was thrilled with Blazing Speed who, at the age of eight, is holding his form remarkably well.

The jockey said: "Nobody can say it was a surprise that they crawled and when Joao made his move I tried to cover it and followed him out of the back straight.

"My horse has battled in the way he often does and certainly hasn't gone backwards. I was very pleased with him."

Connections of French raider Dicton (seventh) felt the sedate pace made it difficult for the colt to show his form.