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HK: Whyte banking on conditions unlocking Shanwah’s potential

Douglas Whyte believes his exciting import Shanwah (Too Darn Hot) can improve with a step up in distance at Sha Tin on Sunday and justify his inclusion in the field for the Hong Kong Cup (Gr 1, 2000m). The gelding generated considerable excitement on his Hong Kong arrival following a stellar three-year-old campaign in Australia, where he claimed the Autumn Classic (Gr 2, 1800m) and the Alister Clark Stakes (Gr 2, 2040m), before running third in the Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2400m). However, he struggled to live up to the hype on debut in Hong Kong, finishing 11th in a Class 2 handicap over 1400 metres although Whyte believes he has improved for the run. “I thought his debut run was acceptable for the amount of work I was able to get into him,” the trainer said. “I think that’s what he’s looking for – 1600 metres, possibly further – but 1400 was somewhere to start him, and at least he’s had that run into him – he’s got a bit of mileage into his legs. He just needs to adjust from a race tempo and pressure point of view, and then he’ll be on his way.”