A quiet morning out at Sha Tin, with none of these Japanese QEII runners leaving the quarantine barn. However those running next weekend all appeared along with Rising Romance.

Buffering

He worked on the turf at three quarter pace. He continues to look and work well. He covered 1200m in 1.31.8 (33.7, 33.5, 24.6). Trainer Rob Heathcote is happy with his progress “He’s fit and he’s a happy horse, just had a stretch of the legs this morning. He’ll have a gallop on Tuesday morning and that will be enough. It’s just about keeping him happy until race time now”

Chautauqua

Had a quiet morning on the dirt course. Michael Hawkes said “He’s lovely and relaxed and at this stage it’s a case of no news is good news”.

Highland Reel

He worked on the dirt and continues to look well. He covered 800m in 54.5 (28.0,  26.5). Assistant trainer Pat Keating “Very good, very happy with him. Work’s been sound ad I’d say he’s in similar shape to December”. He’s bound to go around at a very backable price and given that he may get an easy time of it in front, could give a sight nearing the finish.

Bow Creek

He’s looking more settled by the day. Another who worked casually on the dirt. Trainer John O’Shea arrives next Wednesday to oversee his last few days.

Rising Romance

She cantered on the dirt and is ready for her race on Sunday. Davis Hayes said “She’s happy and relaxed. From my experience training here, some horses thrive in this environment and some don’t and fortunately she’s in the first category”.

Mongolian Saturday

The Breeders Cup winner had a hit out on the dirt, his strongest exercise yet. He’s a quirky individual and an interesting horse to watch. Hopefully we get to see the best of him next Sunday. He finished a well beaten fifth here in December where he hung out turning for home. He’ll need to improve markedly off that to feature next week.