Poet’s Word

The Sir Michael Stoute trained galloper brings some excellent form lines to the Cup, finishing behind Cracksman and Decorated Knight at his last two outings. His year to date has been very good, recording his first Stakes win in the Glorious Stakes at Goodwood. He’s kept pretty good company since then, so his credentials for this stand up to scrutiny.

Today he was on his toes as he tracked the USA sprinter Stormy Liberal onto the turf this morning. Then stretched his legs over 600m in 46.6s (16.8, 14.6, 15.2).

Stormy Liberal

He comes into the Sprint off a win in the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint, where he recorded his maiden G1 victory. He has struck a couple of good hometown horses in Mr Stunning and Lucky Bubbles, so will have his work cut out for him in this. He loves a firm track and his running style sees him track behind the speed ususally.

He was keen to get moving this morning as he came onto the track with his lead pony. Worked on the turf over 600m in 39.8s (14.4, 13.0, 12.4). Trainer Peter Miller, who watched the work via video from his California home, said: “He looked well to my eye and travelled well within himself. It was a good leg stretcher and he handled the ground. The team has been telling me the horse is doing really well and his energy levels are high. We’re hoping for a good draw and if he gets that, I think he’ll perform well.”

Once In A Moon

This filly was 2nd last start in the Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama. She is a six time winner from sixteen career starts and recorded a win at listed level two starts back. She’ll be ridden in the Sprint by Hong Kong based Zac Purton, who was on for her work today.

Purton said: “She seems healthy and bright. She is only small which you already know, but she was just having a bit of a look at the track today. She had a bit of a look around as well. Something frightened her a little bit, but once she got going, she felt nice – her action was good, attitude was good. She pulled up nice. We will do a bit more with her tomorrow and hopefully she will be alright on Sunday.”

Smart Call

She worked at three-quarter pace on the turf this morning, running 600m in 40.4s (14.0, 13.2, 13.2). Her last win was in The Met at Kenilworth in 2016, and has raced in Europe this season. She hasn’t troubled the scorer on any occasion in Europe, but has been around the mark. She’ll likely find this tough, but is certainly not out of place here.

Lightning Spear

The six-time winner made his first appearance at Sha Tin today, doing some easy work around the all-weather track, partnered by the trainer’s wife Jenny Simcock. Jenny Simcock said: “He was a little bit fresh and on his toes though that was probably because it was his first day on the track. Hopefully he’ll settle in over the next couple of days.”

He won at G2 level three starts back at Goodwood, and boasts multiple G1 placings during his 2016 campaign and a 3rd in the Sussex Stakes this term. He is usually held up in the run and will be ridden by Oisin Murphy on the weekend.

Deauville

He followed stable companion Highland Reel in routine work through a lap of the all-weather track under usual partner Gary O’Connor. Clocked 45.0s (15.8, 14.8, 14.4) for 600m.

He ran 3rd in this years Arlington Million (10f), when he had the run of the race and loomed to win. However he did not go on with it and jockey Ryan Moore questioned him at the trip. Next up he was back to a Mile at Woodbine and failed to flatter finishing 11th of 12. He’s looked well this week, but hasn’t been asked to do a great deal.

Blond Me

Another whose last start was at Woodbine, where she was impressive in winning the E.P. Taylor Stakes against her own sex at 10f. She has been good this year, but can throw in an ordinary run from time to time. She is a closer, coming from off the pace in her races.

Work rider Leanne Masterton partnered the filly as usual, and she looked comfortable
cantering around the all-weather track. “Still all good,” Masterton said, also confirming that trainer Andrew Balding would be arriving in Hong Kong later today.

Chemical Charge

This Sea the Stars colt is progressive, recording his first Stakes win in the G3 September Stakes. Prior to that he had placed in the Hardwicke Stakes at royal ascot behind Idaho. yet another who has ventured to Woodbine this year, where he finished mid-pack in the Canadian International at 12f. He’ll be ridden by Oisin Murphy in the Vase.

He worked easily on the dirt track, looking well within himself.