Hong Kong, November 7 – At the Sha Tin meeting in Hong Kong on Saturday, Catbird three year-old XI Ying Men opened his winning account with an impressive victory over 1000 metres.
Second on debut at the same track on October 22 when jumping from a wide gate, XI Ying Men showed the benefit of race experience to take full advantage of gate two this time around, bolting clear to win by nearly three lengths in the good time of 57.35 seconds.
Bred and sold by Yarraman Park, XI Ying Men was bought by the Hong Kong Jockey Club for $100,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
Xi Ying Men is a full brother to Group III placed Anhinga and smart metropolitan winner Vankedisi being one of three winners from the Crested Wave (USA) mare Rippling Mill (NZ).
Rippling Mill had a filly by Magic Albert sell earlier this year at Magic Millions for $60,000 to Hot Danish’s trainer Les Bridge, but will have no yearling for the sales in 2011 after missing in 2008.
