Posting this update a day late, but it’s been a busy 24 hrs, so I’ll make this brief.

Dicton

This was my first look at this son of Lawman, who has travelled from France for the APQEII. He’s an impressive looking animal, with plenty of white on his face along with prominent bandages, to help standout in a crowd (not that is was in any way crowded when he galloped). He worked on the dirt track, starting with a very easy cantered circuit.

He then lifted the intensity to complete two laps at a reasonable clip. Gianluca Bietolini arrives in Hong Kong on the 27th April and his assistant Laura Dell’Elce, said: “He’s a happy horse. We’re pleased with how he’s settled in here.”

He had appeared to be cautious coming onto the track at his first visit earlier in the week, but there was no evidence of that today. All appeared well with him and it will be interesting to see what he does next.

Neorealism

I was very keen to see this horse again after photographing him last December at HKIR. His run on the big day was a little disappointing, but no doubt the trip away would have been of benefit. Trainer Noriyuki Hori has successfully travelled horses to Hong Kong previously (Maurice and Satono Crown), so knows the type  needed to be a winner here.

Work Rider Shinjiro Kaneko said: “After the experience of travelling to Hong Kong a few months ago, he has travelled over well this time. He is very relaxed but very fresh and moved nicely. He was a bit keen last time he was here, but he seems to be familiar with the place now.  He is in good form. We will make a final decision about when he will gallop on turf depending on his condition and the surface of the track.”

Jockey Joao Moreira said: “He did not perform well last December, but he has beaten really good horses back in Japan.  If he brings that kind of top form here, he will definitely be able to be competitive.  I know it will be a tough race with some good horses in the field, but if he brings his best, he has a really good chance.  Honestly I have not spoken to the stable staff yet, but I will ask them how he has settled in and how he has been doing at the stable.  So far no one has said any bad news. The main danger, I think, will be Werther.”

The track rider was sporting an interesting set of goggles – they have the ability to convey data to him as the horse works (speed, heart rate etc). There is an excellent article available here with plenty of information.

 http://campaign.hkjc.com/en/qe-ii-cup/news.aspx?in_file=2017042601259.html

Werther

The defending champion had an easy morning on the dirt ahead of a more strenuous effort that is down for Thursday on the turf. Trainer John Moore is happy with his charge and is looking forward to Sunday.