Fast Network breaks new ground in Japan
New Zealand-bred sprinter Fast Network (NZ) (Wrote) will break new ground for trainer Dennis Yip when he begins a two-race Japanese campaign in next month’s Gr.2 Centaur Stakes (1200m) at Hanshin.
The six-year-old son of Wrote flew to Japan on Tuesday and will make his first appearance abroad in the September 6 feature before progressing to the Gr.1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama on September 27.
The campaign will also mark Yip’s first runner outside Hong Kong, Conghua or Macau in his own right.
Fast Network was initially being aimed at the Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) in Dubai earlier this year, but uncertainty in the Middle East prompted Yip to change tack and instead target Japan.
A seven-time winner from 20 starts, Fast Network has established himself among Hong Kong’s leading sprinters, including twice finishing Group One-placed behind champion Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress). His biggest victory came in last year’s Gr.3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m) at Sha Tin.
“He will have two races because it’s early season in Hong Kong and he’s only had one barrier trial,” Yip said.
“In Japan, he can only work by himself. The other horses won’t be with him and he also won’t be able to trial there.
“I refreshed him and his form is coming very good. He will be even better after the recent trial. He’ll run in the Group Two first and then on the 27th.”
Fast Network completed his final serious piece of work in Hong Kong with a 1200m trial at Sha Tin last Friday, where he was restrained at the rear by Matthew Poon before closing strongly to finish fourth.
He has not raced since finishing fourth behind Ka Ying Rising in the Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin in April.
Yip elected to bypass opportunities later in the Hong Kong season and instead sent Fast Network for an early break at Conghua with an overseas campaign in mind.
“Fast Network had a few hard races last season, so I let him rest earlier. Now he’s refreshed,” Yip said.
“I think he’ll run well. Then we will go straight to the Group One. Hong Kong has an outstanding champion, Ka Ying Rising, and it’s difficult to catch him.”
Fast Network was bred by Highview Stud and was purchased by Wexford Stables for $30,000 from Highview’s draft at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale.
Originally named Donnie Malone, the son of Wrote showed promise in New Zealand, winning a trial at Te Rapa for Wexford trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott before being sold to Hong Kong.
Yip, who was crowned Hong Kong Champion Trainer in the 2012-13 season, enjoyed one of his biggest successes when Massive Sovereign (No Nay Never) won the 2024 Hong Kong Derby (2000m).
