IT WAS a tale of contrasting fortunes for John Moore’s BMW Hong Kong Derby aspirants at Sha Tin on Saturday as Ruthven stamped his claims for the HK$18 million feature with a tough win in the Class 2 Snipe Handicap (1800m).

Last year’s Queensland Derby winner Ruthven (128lb) was one of two Group 1 winners for Moore in the Snipe Handicap, which loomed as a Derby tune-up with seven four-year-olds among the entrants. The trainer also saddled up 2016 Racing Post Trophy winner Rivet, but the Fastnet Rock colt was scratched at the gates and will face a stalls test before he is able to take his place in the 2000m feature.