Group one feature on packing pins’ radar

Impressive last-start winner Packing Pins has been set for one of Sha Tin’s premier events. Trainer Ricky Yui has the exciting WS graduate on a path toward the Gr 1 Hong Kong Mile.

Packing Pins took his record to six wins from nine appearances when he romped away with the Lukfook Jewellery Cup on Saturday to remain unbeaten in his last five outings. He was ridden to his latest success by Zac Purton, but a new jockey will now have to be found for the gelding’s next appearance in the Gr 2 Sha Tin Trophy.

“He will have a light weight in that so I need to find a new jockey and we will see if he can make it into the international races,” Yiu said. “The aim has always been to go for the Hong Kong Mile, but he still needs to get his rating high enough.

“We will throw him in the deep end, he can run there and then three weeks later in the Jockey Club Mile to prove himself worthy of an invitation. He came here as a late three-year-old and didn’t run until four, but has just kept on improving every run.”