Been a while since I blogged, but being in Hong Kong gets me inspired to do it. Most of the horses have arrived for the big meeting this coming Sunday. Many of them appeared on the track this morning, but none really extended themselves. A few stayed in the quarantine centre for light exercise, but will appear from tomorrow.

Three worked on the turf – Lovely Day, Smart Layer and Satono Aladdin. They really weren’t out to break the clock, rather just an easy gallop. All three were in the first batch of Japanese horses to arrive last Thursday, so have had a few days to settle.

Satono Aladdin was a visitor to Hong Kong last year running in the Cup, where he disappointed. He reverts to the Mile this year, perhaps not wanting to take on compatriots Maurice and A Shin Hikari. On paper he looks a solid G2 horse back at home and struggles when at the top level. He’ll find it no easier here. It was an easy piece of work this morning under regular rider Yuki Iwasaki in 1m01.2s (33, 28.2). and he’ll not doubt put in something more serious later in the week. Iwasaki said: “All has gone well so far. The turf track was not too fast, with more cushion than I expected. He moved nicely.”

Lovely Day is another who is making his second to trip Hong Kong, having been here  for the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup earlier in the year. That day he ran into a wet track and Werther, and finished forth beaten four lengths. This time round he should get his more favoured firm track, but meets fellow Japanese runners Maurice and A Shin Hikari in the Cup, so he’ll need to be at his best to better those two. The son of King Kamehameha galloped well within himself this morning under work rider Joji Yamamoto in 1m02.5s (33.5, 29).  Yamamoto said: “He worked nicely today. Last time when he came here in April he did not adjust to the new surroundings, however this time he is in a good mood and is familiar with the Hong Kong environment. He is relaxed and is in good form.”

His best form (winning the Autumn Tenno Sho last year) would see him competitive in this, although he has not won since taking out that race.

The other horse to make a turf appearance this morning was Smart Layer, who represents Japan in the Vase. She’s not raced beyond 2200m, but is a daughter of the mighty Deep Impact so is bred to get a trip you’d think. She’s a winner at Group 2 and 3 level at home and finished just out of the placings in the Group 1 Victoria Mile back in May. She’ll be ridden by Japanese legend Yutaka Take in the big race, so will not want from that point of view. On paper it seems connections have taken a shy at the stumps here, but she’s been pretty consistent this year, so why not.

It was easy work under the rider Kota Kato in 59.8s (32.6, 27.2). Kato said: “She is well adjusted to the new surroundings here.  She was easy to ride and settled today.  She will gallop on Thursday.”

Australia is represented by two runners at the meeting, both in the Sprint. Rebel Dane and Takedown are both last start Group 1 winners, so bring winning form to Hong Kong. Rebel Dane didn’t leave the quarantine area this morning, having only arrived yesterday evening. Takedown made an appearance on the dirt track and cantered a few easy laps. The big boy looks at peace with the world, however is yet to be put under pressure.

David Moore, assistant trainer to Gary Moore, said: “We really couldn’t be happier and we’ve got a horse who is on the up. It’s unbelievable, he’s only four but he’s like a proper veteran and has travelled to Hong Kong really well. Some horses lose a lot of weight in travelling but not him, and it helps that he loves eating! We just hope he gets a good gate later in the week.”

A couple of old favourites made an appearance on the dirt and both looked well. A Shin Hikari is as mad as a cut snake most days, but certainly appeared relaxed enough this morning. Work rider Tomoyasu Sakaguchi said: “He was full of beans. I am happy with his good condition.” He’ll defend his Cup title on Sunday, where he’ll meet Maurice, who also looks to have travelled well. It’s his third trip here in twelve months so he’s in familiar surroundings here at Sha Tin. Groom Tomohiro Takahashi said: “The three contenders from Hori Stables went two laps around the Sha Tin all-weather track, hacking for five furlongs, trotting for two furlongs, and then hacking for another seven furlongs. They travelled smoothly. Satono Crown and Maurice have settled in particularly well, while Neorealism, being on his first trip abroad, is still a bit tense. They are all eating well and relaxing in their boxes. They will gallop on either Thursday or Friday.”

Big Arthur is a horse I’ve really been looking forward to seeing. He brings some great form to Hong Kong and was terribly unlucky at his last start. If he brings his A game, he will take some beating in the Sprint. The ride is up for grabs after Yuichi Fukunaga took a tumble at the weekend and wrecked his collar bone. Kenichi Fujioka’s assistant trainer Masaoki Nakata said: “He had light work today, he had a very smooth gait and we are very happy with his condition. We’ll gallop him on Thursday.”

Others to make an appearance this morning (all on the dirt and taking it easy) are below. I’ll add a bit more detail about them as the week progresses.

Queens Ring

Elliptique

Neorealism

Garlingari

 

As usual many thanks to the Hong Kong Jockey Club team for work times and quotes from connections.