MONGOLIAN SATURDAY

This is a quirky individual, he likes to come out on to the track and stare into space checking out his surroundings. This was on display an HKIR day in December, where he didn’t really want to go out on the track and it took some time to get him to the start. He galloped 800m on the turf course this morning under Douglas Whyte in 49.5s (27.4, 22.1). It was a nice work and please his rider, but you’d think he’ll be stretched in this field come Sunday.

Trainer Ganbat Enebish noted: “It looked a bit slow for me early in the work but he picked it up in the stretch. That should be his final fast work until the race and we will just try to keep him happy now.”

Douglas Whyte said: “He really picked up well in the last furlong (200m) when I gave him a squeeze. Very happy with him.”

BUFFERING 
Cantered on the all-weather track and Trainer Robert Heathcote said: “He’s feeling good. You saw him prance on to the track this morning so you know he’s full of himself. Just got to keep him ticking over.”

CHAUTAUQUA
Chautauqua had an easy morning on the dirt surface. He has settled in very well, you’d think he was a seasoned traveller. I’m looking forward to seeing him work more seriously tomorrow.

Trainer Michael Hawkes said: “It’s great to see him so relaxed. He does have a mind of his own and he likes to be left alone. He’s that sort of horse and he can be a bit on edge at times but here he’s really settled. He’s adapted well and acclimatised really well in Hong Kong. The biggest thing is the climate but it was cooler the first couple of days after he arrived and I think that helped. Having the extra week here has been beneficial. He just had a nice canter this morning and we’ll gallop him tomorrow morning.”

BOW CREEK 
This horse seemed a bit of a head case last week upon arrival. However as each day has passed he’s become more relaxed. He’s not been asked for any serious work as yet and again today cantered two circuits on the all-weather track.

Johann Gerard-Dubord, assistant to trainer John O’Shea, said: “He’s had a good couple of days. His weight is back to normal and he’s quite relaxed which is good. He’s improving each day.”

MAURICE
Arrived Saturday night and ventured out of the quarantine centre for the first time today, where he walked a circuit of the all-weather track. It was a warm morning and he sweated freely, but seemed comfortable in his surroundings. It took him time to adjust last December. Assistant trainer Toru Munakata said: “This is his second time in Hong Kong and he is well used to the environment here. He has settled well.”