No horse declared to run in the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) has won more races this season than Emblazon, and trainer Cody Mo hopes his progressive galloper can fulfil a lifelong dream on Sunday afternoon (22 March) at Sha Tin.

Mo, who has 26 winners this season, is confident Emblazon is well placed for his stamina-testing jump to 10 furlongs, which the 88-rater will make against 13 opponents, having raced exclusively over 1200m and 1400m across his initial eight starts.

“I think for the worldwide industry – every owner, trainer, jockey and stable staff – the Derby is the most important race and it is a dream for us all. To have one in the race, I am grateful for that. But if I was to win, it would be a dream come true,” Mo said.

Owned by the Military King’s Syndicate, Emblazon has made a sparkling ascent from a rating of 49 at the start of this season to reach his current peak, achieved on 1 March with a quality-laden success in Class 2 – his debut in the grade – under Jerry Chau at Sha Tin.

“I think he’s in top form right now, and his win last start was better than I thought. He’s been very consistent this season and he’s improved a lot,” Mo said. “He galloped yesterday (Wednesday, 18 March) – he’s working well.”

Handling 2000m is an unknown for most of the BMW Hong Kong Derby line-up. Only rivals Numbers and Seraph Gabriel have attempted the trip in Hong Kong, but it’s an opportunity that Mo is excited to take as he prepares for Sunday’s running, which also features Little Paradise, Stormy Grove, Sagacious Life, Invincible Ibis, Patch Of Cosmo, Beauty Bolt, Top Dragon, Regal Gem, Juneau Pride, Dazzling Fit and Pope Cody.

Mo said: “His form shows all of us that he keeps improving, but the one question is the 2000 metres. No one knows whether he will handle the distance of the Derby, but he’s a four-year-old, and anything can happen.”

As Ping Hai Star did successfully in 2018, Emblazon will aim to secure victory in the 149th edition of the BMW Hong Kong Derby following a hat-trick of 1400m wins at Sha Tin.

“He’s drawn eight. He’s very relaxed in races; he can sit midfield or forward a little bit, and if he can handle 2000 metres, then I think he has a very good chance,” Mo said.

Now in his third season of training, Mo boasts 86 career wins in Hong Kong, including 40 during a breakout 2024/25 campaign, topped by a 2025 HK$4.2 million G3 Lion Rock Trophy Handicap (1600m) triumph with Pray For Mir.

Mo has been at Sha Tin his entire career, working for David Hall, Benno Yung and David Ferraris. However, the majority of that time has been spent under the wing of legendary racing figure Tony Cruz, successfully campaigning heroes Silent Witness and Bullish Luck in Japan.

“I was a rider with Tony Cruz but now as a trainer, I’m very lucky to have another Derby runner in my third year. It’s my second year having a horse in the Derby (after Markwin in 2025). I’m so thankful for the owner’s support. We just need some luck,” Mo said.

Emblazon was winless in two starts last season – beaten by a combined nine and a half lengths – before reeling off four consecutive victories this campaign among his five career wins.

“The horse has surprised us because the first year I trained him, he wasn’t as strong, but after one year he has improved and gotten stronger – everything has gone up and up – and I’m looking forward to the race,” Mo said.

Sunday’s (22 March) 10-race programme at Sha Tin begins with the Class 4 Luger Handicap (1600m) at 1pm. The 149th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), worth HK$26 million, is scheduled as Race 7 at 4.05pm.

Photo: HKJC