Silent Witness may have been in bed with a virus but certain owners who have had to hide in his lengthy shadow were making the most of his (and Cape of Good Hope's) absence in Hong Kong today. Planet Ruler ridden by Gerald Mosse and trained by Almond Lee, secured victory in the Cathay Pacific International Sprint Trial from Able Prince and Natural Blitz, his win all the more surprising given this is his first victory over 1000m (his traditional strength 1400m).

Planet Ruler was making just his fourth start for Almond Lee since former trainer David Hayes returned to Australia. Tellingly, Planet Ruler was not among the initial entries for the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint, but Lee said the horse would be supplemented before entries close on Tuesday, November 22.

The selections for the four Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races will be announced this week.

Image courtesy of Hong Kong Jockey Club