Fast Network Bound For Japan
Fast Network (NZ) (Wrote) is set for a two-race Japan campaign in September, with Dennis Yip’s crack sprinter to tackle the G2 Centaur Stakes at Hanshin before a tilt at the G1 Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama.
Yip has yet to receive an official invitation from the Japan Racing Association, but its Chief Handicapper Shinichi Hashimoto was on course at Sha Tin on Saturday and Hong Kong Jockey Club Head of Racing Product Greg Carpenter confirmed to Idol Horse that Fast Network is expected to take his place.
“Dennis has nominated for the G2 Centaur Stakes on September 6 and the G1 Sprinters Stakes on September 27,” Carpenter said.
“What I asked on behalf of Dennis was whether the horse can stay in Japan for the three weeks in between or whether he has to return, and the answer is that he can stay.”
The Centaur Stakes field is not expected to be announced until August, but the question now is who rides Fast Network.
The Centaur Stakes falls on the opening day of Hong Kong’s 2026-27 season, and Zac Purton is firmly committed to riding Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) first-up in the Chief Executive’s Cup as the world’s best sprinter prepares for his defence of The Everest.
Leading local rider Jerry Chau is firmly in the mix, although Yip said he and Fast Network’s connections are “still thinking” about who rides in Japan.
“The owner asked me, James McDonald? But I don’t think he will,” Yip said. “If Jerry rides, he will ride in both races.”
Fast Network will aim to become Hong Kong’s first Centaur Stakes winner after Caspar Fownes went close with Green Birdie (NZ) (Catbird) and Lucky Nine (Dubawi) in 2010 and 2011.
Fast Network would be aiming to become Hong Kong’s third Sprinters Stakes winner, after Silent Witness (El Moxie) in 2005 and Ultra Fantasy (Encosta De Lago) in 2010.
Bred by Highview Stud’s, Fast Network was purchased by Wexford Stables for $30,000 at the 2022 Karaka Book 2 Yearling Sales.
Originally named Donnie Malone, Fast Network won a trial at Te Rapa for Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott before his sale to Hong Kong.
Fast Network is one of eleven individual winners from 14 runners in Hong Kong by Highview Stud stallion Wrote, a Group One winning son of High Chaparral.
