David Hall’s Apollo’s Choice with Douglas Whyte on – Photo: Kenneth Chan, South China Morning Post 12 Apr 15
Apollo’s Choice (4g. Choisir – Apolina by Rubiton) won the richest race on the card at Sha Tin last Sunday – A HK$1,500,000 mile race on the turf track for Australian trainer David Hall. It was Douglas Whyte’s fourth win for the day. From the inside gate Whyte positioned Apollo’s Choice in the box seat. 350metres from home Whyte took a run inside the front runner Sichaun Exec. Despite being tightened for room Apollo’s Choice pushed through and was strong to the line holding out race favourite Celestial Smile by a length.
Race Replay R11 Sha Tin 12 Apr 15
The win was Apollo’s Choice’s third from just eight career starts and his first in Hong Kong.
Apollo’s Choice was purchased at Inglis’ Premier Sale in 2013 by Shea Eden. He won his first two starts before a luckless fourth at listed level at Flemington. He backed up in the following week into the Group 2 Sandown Guineas where he finished third.
On the strength of those performances Apollo’s Choice was sold to Hong Kong where he joined David Hall’s stable. He sustained a minor ligament injury after his first start at his new home before being rested and gelded. He displayed some of his ability in his next two starts, hitting the front in his race on the 8th of March before fading. He then won a trial before his victory yesterday.
Apollo’s Choice was bred at Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm and is the first foal to race from Rubiton mare Apolina.
