Clear race favorite Vengeance Of Rain triumphed in today's HK$14 Million Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby (2000m). The 4 yo NZ-bred bay gelding beat home another kiwi - Russian Pearl (who incidentally strained a suspensory ligament in his right front leg when finishing fourth at Happy Valley on November 4th last year so his return to form, particularly at this level, is extraordinary in its own right) - by a margin of 2 and 3/4 lengths.

Vengeance of Rain may have been bred in NZ but he has strong connections across the Tasman as well. The son of Zabeel (out of the G1 winning Danehill mare Danelagh) formerly raced in Australia as Subscribe in the familiar navy blue and white silks of former Crown Casino boss Lloyd Williams.

One wonders which side of the Tasman will be be jumping on this marketing opportunity ... personally I think the New Zealanders deserve the rights (I accept that others' opinions may differ!)

The Australians can take heart from another Shatin result however - Silent Witness' half brother (by Woodman) - Very Fit - gave his trainer Tony Cruz his 60th win for the season and led almost all the way in the Class 3 Johann Cruyff Handicap over 1600 metres. It was the geldings third win in just five starts ensuring the pedigree page continues to bubble along and both Edinburgh Park (vendor) and Inglis (auctioneer) will have high hopes for the yearling half sister to be offered at this year's Easter sale.