Drakenstein Stud’s successful resident sire Philanthropist looks to have a very smart Hong Kong representative in the form of the Drakenstein Stud bred Singapore Sling.

The latter, stamped himself as one of the leaders of his generation in Hong Kong on Sunday, when running a promising second in the HK $10 000 000 Hong Kong Classic Mile.

Singapore Sling, winner of the 2016 G2 Investec Dingaans, was making just his third Hong Kong outing when beaten 1.25 lengths into second place in the Classic Mile and looks a strong contender for the second two legs of the series.

The Hong Kong Classic Mile is the first leg of a three race series for four-year-olds, with the second leg being the Hong Kong Classic Cup and final leg being the BMW Hong Kong Derby.

Trainer Tony Millard was delighted with Singapore Sling’s effort, saying, “The winner took two lengths off us at the top of the straight, because he is a speed horse, but Chad was wearing him down towards the line. This horse will go the trip next time – I’m not so sure the winner will.”

Jockey Chad Schofield, who rode Singapore Sling, was also pleased, saying, “He ran a cracker. We had the run of the race, the speed was quite hot but I was able to get away and into clear running nice and early. The winner sprinted better than us, he put two lengths on us pretty quickly but in the final furlong I was taking ground back off the winner. Heading into the 1800 (metres) and the 2000 (metres), he’s right in it.”

Among those beaten by Singapore Sling in the Classic Mile was G1 Racing Post Trophy winner Rivet, G1 Queensland Derby hero Ruthven, and German 2000 Guineas runner up Lockheed.

His sire Philanthropist, sire of champions Pender Harbour and Phil’s Dream, has two lots on next month’s Cape Yearling Sale –a half-sister to the stakes placed Silent Rush (Lot 10) and a filly out of a winning own sister to G3 winner Bit On The Side (Lot 11).