Fast Network Japan-bound for Group One mission
New Zealand-bred sprinter Fast Network (NZ) (Wrote) departed Hong Kong for Japan on Tuesday as the talented five-year-old prepares for a two-race campaign culminating in the Gr.1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama.
The Dennis Yip-trained gelding will have his first start in Japan in the Gr.2 Centaur Stakes (1200m) at Hanshin on September 6 before heading to Nakayama for the Sprinters Stakes on September 27.
Fast Network completed his final serious piece of work in Hong Kong with a 1200m trial at Sha Tin on Friday, August 21, where he was deliberately restrained at the rear by Matthew Poon before making good ground in the straight to finish fourth in 1:12.44.
Yip was pleased with the hit-out ahead of the gelding's departure.
“He trialled very well. He had a very good reaction, and because the track condition wasn't very good, I just told the jockey to take him back and let him finish off in the straight. Everything is fine,” Yip said.
Fast Network has established himself among Hong Kong's leading sprinters, winning seven of his 20 starts and placing twice at Group One level behind champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising.
His biggest victory came in last year's Gr.3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m) at Sha Tin.
Fast Network will attempt to become the first Hong Kong-trained winner of the Centaur Stakes. Green Birdie (NZ) went close for trainer Caspar Fownes when runner-up in 2010, while stablemate Lucky Nine filled the same placing the following year.
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 trainers Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott before being sold to Hong Kong.
