SQUID GAME SALUTES FOR FAVOURITE BACKERS

Squid Game wins on second start for Patrick Payne

The story could have been oh so different though for Squid Game after a decision in Hong Kong meant that the Payne runner would stay in Australia.

Expat David Price has become a renowned name for sourcing racing talent in Australia and New Zealand to run in Asia and Squid Game was set to be another horse heading to Hong Kong.

Fortunately for Victorians however Squid Game failed the notoriously strict Hong Kong Jockey Club vets checks and remains with trainer Patrick Payne and duly delivered in his second start at $2.10 favourite.

Squid Game overcame a slow start in the race to power home late and take out the Lexus Holiday Plate up the Flemington Straight. 

Jockey Michael Dee rode Squid Game in his first start and was aboard once again to lift the Payne runner to an easy win.

Dee was happy with the win aboard the son of Shooting To Win and said there was more to come:

“I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet but he’s certainly got good ability,” Dee said.

“He’s still very much a baby and he’s only going to learn as time goes by.

“He’s professional in what he does and he really wants to do it.

“He knows one thing and that’s to really run and put his best foot forward.”

Favourite backers will be happy with the decisions made by the HKJC.

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