Second Group 1 For Beauty Generation (NZ)

Select Sale graduate Beauty Generation (NZ) (Road to Rock) delivered another stellar performance in Sunday’s HK$10 million Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin, winning his second Group 1 of the Hong Kong season.

The gelding soared through the grades in the early stages of his five-year-old campaign, winning three of his first four starts including the HK$23 million Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) in December.

It was more of the same yesterday as Beauty Generation toppled a high-quality field over 1400 metres. Rider Zac Purton had him positioned just outside the leader until the home turn, when he surged forward to take control of the race.

He was clearly headed in the straight by Beat The Clock (Hinchinbrook), but fought back doggedly to win by a head.

“He was headed, but he waits for the other horses to come to him a little bit,” Purton said. “He’s definitely surprised us all at the level he’s got to, but I did say to John (Moore, trainer) last season that I thought he’d be a better horse next season.

“I think he’s proven that he’s a 1400 to 1600 metres horse, somewhere around that range just seems to suit him. He gets out, he makes all, he’s got that high cruising speed and he can kick.”

Beauty Generation was offered at the 2014 Select Sale by Highden Park, where he was born and raised. He was bought for $60,000 by Hermes Syndications.

Originally named Montaigne, he began his career in Australia with two wins from seven starts, plus placings in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m).

His overall career record, spanning Australia and Hong Kong, now stands at 20 starts for eight wins, seven placings and more than NZ$5.6 million – more than 90 times his purchase price.