LNGJUN XIONGFENG TARGETS RICH HILL MILE

Recording consecutive victories, Lingjun Xiongfeng (5 h The Factor – Harvest Start, by Sebring) rose markedly in grade to win the $50,000 Print House Open Handicap 1600 metres on Saturday at Te Rapa.

Deserving of victory in the Rating 65 1500 metres on 9 December at Pukekohe, the sharp rise posed no obstacle for the striking grey entire and he did a demolition job on his rivals.

Ridden again by newly acquainted South African immigrant Billy Jacobson, who is quickly adjusting to track conditions in New Zealand, Lingjun Xiongfeng sat last in a field of eight, travelled effortlessly throughout, and once drawn out in the straight he rattled home to win by a rather astonishing five and a half lengths.

“He was just cruising at the back and just went so well,” said Jacobson, on dismounting.

On Good4 footing, and having placed three times previously on the course, Lingjun Xiongfeng ran 1600 metres in 1:35.2, last 600m in 34.0 (approx.), and paid $5.20 & $1.70 on the NZ TAB tote.

It was a similar performance to that at Pukekohe, where, from 10 lengths astern, he produced a withering burst over the final furlong to engulf the field while clocking fastest last 600m (33.5) in the process.

Always held in high regard by co-trainer Pam Gerard, Lingjun Xiongfeng was reported to have worked up terrifically well since winning at Pukekohe, and she was bullish on his prospects despite the jump in class.

“He’s absolutely flying at the moment, jumping out of his skin, working and eating well and looks terrific,” Gerard said. “He’s very fit and I’d been very happy with the way he’d been working.

“Bart (Cowan) has prepared another really good track, which has been fantastic for the amount of racing it’s had, and thank you to everyone at the club,” Gerard said.

“He (Lingjun Xiongfeng) was absolutely amazing at Pukekohe, and I think in the last month he has grown lengths after being a little bit wayward, obviously still being a colt.

“About a month ago he just started looking like something different and he’s shown that in races by winning in 65-grade and now a big win in an Open Handicap, against some very nice horses.

“He’s a horse with a lot of potential and could now prepare for the Rich Hill Mile.”

The $225,000 Rich Hill Mile (Gr. 2, 1600m) is contested on 1 January at Pukekohe.

Lingjun Xiongfeng was bought for $40,000 by Amy Feng at 2020 Adelaide Yearling Sale, from draft of Rosden Park, and owned by Mr. Ma Junping, managed by Taniwha Club managing director Alan Fu.

By dual Group One winner over 1400 metres in U.S., The Factor (War Front), from mare that placed in three starts and now left two winners, Lingjun Xiongfeng carries a Mr Prospector cross through his dam lines.

Gerard added: “I’d like to wish all our staff and owners a Merry Christmas.

“In particular, it’s a very busy time for our staff over Christmas and New Year, but they are to be commended for all the hard work and hours that they put into the horses.

“The stable is going well, horses are happy, and that is testament to the boys and girls that ride the work and look after them at the stables. We can’t get these results without them.”

Lingjun Xiongfeng was strapped by Bhom Singh.