The Australian trained contenders for Sunday’s races all galloped today and all appear well. Chautauqua was the most impressive clocking some neat sectionals in his work.

BUFFERING (AUS)
Galloped 1200m on the turf course under work rider Melanie Sharpe in 1m 25.6s (400m splits: 33.0, 29.1, 23.5). He was a little distracted by other horses returning from their work and needed a reminder about 200m from home, however the work was good. He was here eighteen months ago, but looks a lot happier horse this time round.

Trainer Robert Heathcote said: “Very happy with his work. Nice blow out and Melanie (Sharpe) gave him the thumbs up. It was a bit warm out there and we galloped quite late in the morning, after waiting for the trials to finish, but it didn’t bother him. Coming from Queensland, he’s used to the humidity.”

CHAUTAUQUA 
Galloped 1000m on the turf course under work rider Britt McDonald in 1m 02.3s (200m splits: 15.4, 13.2, 12.4, 10.9, 10.4). When initial times went up this morning, they were mind blowing, however the revised set made a lot more sense. Still quick enough to bend trees (if there were any in the Sha Tin home straight). Looks ideally set to run a big race come Sunday, whatever the conditions.

Co-trainer John  Hawkes said: “He worked really well. I’m sure the sectionals will be quick but really the time is immaterial with a horse like this. We know he can run time. He’s got a massive stride and he really lowers himself, like a Ferrari, when he’s at full stretch. It’s more about how he pulls up; he had a bit of a blow but he’s fine, perfect. He sweated up but that’s no issue. It’s a natural function of exercise in the warm weather. It’s only a worry if they sweat up and they’re all revved up but he’s perfectly relaxed.”

DIVINE BOY 

He will be well tested in this. Derek Leung partnered him in a 1050m all-weather barrier trial this morning and passed the post three lengths in front in a time of 1m  01.77s. Leung said: “He felt good, he’s fit and everything’s well. It was an easy trial, he was better than them and it was all smooth. It was a good work out for the weekend, so hopefully he will run well.”

BOW CREEK

He worked 1200m on turf in 1m 26.0s (30.2, 30.9, 24.9). Work rider Richard Cronin said, “He felt good, lovely. Didn’t ask him to do too much, just a steady piece of normal work.” He’s certainly an improved horse on what he was last week, much more settled. He’ll be tested in this class and if he again misses the start will be even more disadvantaged.

MAURICE (JPN)
He cantered several laps of the dirt track, looking comfortable doing it. Expect to see him click it up the next few days, although he’s arrived a fit horse and shouldn’t need a lot of work.

Assistant trainer Toru Munakata said, “Everything is all right and he has not changed at all. The plan for tomorrow is still undecided at this stage and I will be checking with Mr. Hori this afternoon.”

SAFETY CHECK (UAE)
He’s a nice and relaxed looking horse. Hasn’t run since February, where he won the Zabeel Mile in Dubai. Cantered on the all-weather track today.

Sophie Chretien, assistant to trainer Charlie Appleby, said: “He’s settled in well. He’s eating well now that he’s settled in and I’d say everything is going the right way. He had his second canter this morning and it was pleasing to see him much more relaxed after being a little tense yesterday morning.”