A big morning at Sha Tin today, with many of the big race contenders having a gallop on the turf, including several  locals from the John Moore stable. There was a large contingent of media and spectators on hand to watch on a beautiful morning (the light finally did us a few favours).

Last years Cup winner, A Shin Hikari was one of the first of the internationals to hit the turf. For a horse with some mental issues, he has been well behaved all week. However that can all unravel on race day, as it did in the Autumn Tenno Sho at his most recent start. On that occasion he had a pretty serious melt down in the parade ring and ran accordingly. However, if he was to repeat either his Cup win of last year or his effort in the Prix d’Ispahan, he’ll be very near to impossible to beat.

His workout over 1200m was timed in 1m 15.6s (13.9, 13.4, 14.5, 12.1, 10.5, 11.2). Trainer Masanori Sakaguchi said: “Very good draw. Actually four to five was my ideal. He is in very good form and I am happy with his gallop this morning. The track looks better than last year. I think his big opponent will be the other Japanese horses.  I just wish he could set the pace and lead the field until the finish. Tomorrow he will have a light canter and school in the paddock.”

Staphanos is another Japanese contender in the Cup. he’s visited Hong Kong twice previously for a second in the 2015 QEII and a poor run in the Cup last December. He is a fine looking beast and it’s difficult to get a handle on exactly how well he is. If he brings his A-game on Sunday he’ll be taking some prize money home. His 800m was clocked at 50.8s (17.3, 12.0, 10.0, 11.5).

Lovely Day is another of the Japanese raider making an assault on the Cup. He returns to Hong Kong, having put in a poor run back in April in the QEII. However there were excuses that day, with the track being rain affected, not his preferred going. He won’t get it rock hard on Sunday, but it will be firm. He’s not had a win for just over a year, but is constantly competing in heady company back home.

He closed the final 800m in 49.3s (13.2, 13.2, 12.2, 10.7). Trainer Yasutoshi Ikee said: “Good draw. The condition of the turf on the inside looks good and he will be able to race well on the good surface. He looked well and relaxed in his gallop this morning. I think all is under control so far.”

Satono Crown is part of Team Hori’s three pronged assault on the meeting. He races in the Vase, with Jo Moreira to ride. Working with stablemate Maurice this morning with Moreira riding, he topped off his preparation nicely. He was another who came to Hong Kong for the QEII in April and failed to flatter on the rain affected going. On current form he’ll need to lift to give this a shake – but does look to have settled well this time.

 

Big Orange goes into the Vase after failing to seal a win in his recent visit to Australia. He put in a below par effort in the Melbourne Cup (3200m) and was third in the Zipping Classic (2400m). That is a race you’d expect him to be winning if he was going to be competitive here. Apart from one skitty morning, he has looked well in his work. He’ll race on the pace and the Vase has traditionally been something of a dawdle, so that could work in his favour.

He clocked 39.5s (14.2, 12.8, 12.5) for the final 600m; the smile on his trainer’s face afterwards suggesting positive news. Trainer Michael Bell said: “He’s very fit and we don’t need to do much with him so he won’t be breaking any land speed records before Sunday. Anyhow, I’m very pleased with him.”

Satono Aladdin was another of the Japanese to work on the turf going  1000m  in 1m 06.7s (15.3, 15.6, 13.9, 11.7, 10.2). Trainer Yasutoshi Ikee said: “I think he will be able to gain a good position from his middle draw, watching both horses inside and outside. He has settled well and looks fit. I am happy with his condition so far.”

He brings some good form to the Mile, but is yet to win at Group 1 level. His last visit to Hong kong was a disappointment, finishing well down the track in last years Cup.

John Moore galloped a number of his contenders this morning:

Helene Paragon unlucky last time in the Jockey Club Mile and is a leading contender on Sunday.  He galloped the turf under Hugh Bowman in company with Midnight Rattler; clocked 1m 15.2s (23.8, 27.8, 23.6) for 1200m.

Designs On Rome galloped on turf under Joao Moreira in company with Harbour Master; clocked 1m 16.2s (25.2 28.3 22.7) for 1200m. You can never discount this guy, he is so tough. But he’ll need everything to go his way to be winning you’d think.

Able Friend galloped 1200m on the turf under Joao Moreira in 1m 21.9s (58.6, 23.3). Set the talented Class 1 galloper Mr Bogart a length at the top of the stretch and finished on top with his ears pricked. He looked to do this easily and all is well with him for Sunday. Will he need the run though?

Joyful Trinity galloped the turf under Gerald Mosse in company with Dashing Fellow; clocked 1m 17.3s (25.9, 29.0, 22.4).

As always thanks to the HKJC team for the quotes and times.