Three straight wins in Hong Kong for Best Eleven

Back in July 2010 trainer Gai Waterhouse wrote of one of her almost-2YOs that “all Pie Cart knows is to eat, sleep and run.”

The son of Charge Forward trialled three times in Sydney and won at his third attempt, in March 2011. It was a performance franked by the subsequent success of the two horses he defeated, Smart Missile and Salade, but Pie Cart was not destined to race in Australia.

PHOTO: Best Eleven, the smart Hong Kong-based 3YO by Charge Forward from a Redoute’s Choice mare. (PHOTO: Hong Kong Jockey Club)

Sold to Hong Kong owner Ma Ching Fat, Pie Cart finally made his debut as Best Eleven from the stable of Tony Cruz in October 2011. He finished 7th but quickly atoned by winning his second start 18 days later.

Best Eleven has added three more wins, all over 1200 metres, in the past five weeks, most recently in tonight’s $HK900,000 HKJC Pok Oi Cup. Jockey Maxime Guyon settled him just behind the leaders, though wide without cover, and was able to rely on Best Eleven’s decisive turn of foot to claim the lead soon after the turn. A late challenge from Rumba King cut into the winning margin, but Best Eleven had enough momentum to score by a head in 1.09.43.

Best Eleven has now won four of his eight starts and the equivalent of more than $A260,000. His dam, the Redoute’s Choice mare Betsy Pie, is a stakes-placed city winner from a half-sister to 1991 English 2000 Guineas winner Mystiko. This is also the family of Group 1 winners Pasta Post (in New Zealand) and Rabiya (in South Africa).

Offered by his breeder Glenlogan Park, Best Eleven was a $170,000 purchase by Gai Waterhouse at the 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale.

Charge Forward is the sire of nine lots at the upcoming Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, among them a colt from Road to Damascus (by Flying Spur ) in the Bellerive Stud draft .