Rapper Dragon

The Champions Mile could well decide the Hong Kong horse of the year, should either Rapper Dragon or Beauty Only win. Rapper Dragon swept all before him in the 4yo series, becoming the first horse to win all three races. Beauty Only won the Hong Kong Mile in December and a win here would see him become the reigning champion in the big two Mile race contested here.

Today Rapper Dragon appeared on the dirt track, cantering a lap easily. Tomorrow expect to see him step up the pace on the grass. Big-race jockey Joao Moreira said: “He’s never eye-catching in his barrier trials. The trial the other day was just OK but the horse himself feels fine, he feels well, he was striding out freely, so I have no concerns. I was happy with that trial. He’s the best horse in Hong Kong. I do respect the others, we will face some really good horses, like Beauty Only, who was second to him last time – if he was able to finish that close last time it means he can give us another fight. But I’m very confident about my horse – I think he’s very good and I think there’s even more to come from him.”

Convey

The Ed Walker trained Convey appeared on the Sha Tin dirt track for an easy 400m gallop  under groom Kevin Bradshaw, clocking 33.2s. Bradshaw said: “He’s pretty chilled and taking it all in his stride.”

The horse looks well and certainly doesn’t appear phased by his new environment. Whether he has the class of some of the local contenders will be decided on Sunday.

Stormy Antarctic

He upped the tempo today, galloping on the Sha Tin dirt track under assistant trainer Jack Steels in 1m 27.0s (31.1, 30.4, 25.5). Travelling groom Deepak Gaikwad said: “He did a little more this morning and we’re happy with him. Ed (Walker) arrives tonight.” He is due to gallop under race day jockey Karis Teetan later this week.

Peniaphobia

Peniaphobia was out on the small dirt track this morning, cantering an easy lap, along with Champions Mile contender Beauty Only. Big-race jockey Neil Callan said: “He looks good in the morning. He’s been running well, his form’s good and he’s running against the same horses again. I’ve ridden him in his last three and he’s run two monster races, winning a Group 2 and running a cracker last time behind Mr Stunning – the 1000m race was just a blow-out.”

Amazing Kids

Another who was restricted to the inner dirt track. He’s coming back off a trip to Dubai, where he raced in the Al Quoz Sprint (1200m). It was an odd run, he drew inside on the straight course and finished his race coming down the outside of the field, beaten four lengths into 6th place. The Dubai trip has flattened many horses in the past and how well Amazing Kids adapts will be interesting to see. Brett Prebble gets the ride on Sunday.