Just a very brief look at this horses who worked on turf yesterday.

Poet’s Word

He’s a fine looking animal, who looks to be well within himself.

He Galloped strongly through 800m on the turf course, running 56.0s (16.8, 14.4, 13.2, 11.6) and was then paddock schooled. Trainer Sir Michael Stoute is expected to arrive in Hong Kong today. His assistant Kevin Bradshaw said: “Happy with that this morning. He’s well.”

Lightning Spear

This is a stunning looking horse, who has been known to mix his form up.

He worked on the grass for the first time, going a good gallop without being fully extended by trainer David Simcock’s wife Jenny. Clocked 50.4s (14.8, 12.6, 11.2, 11.8) for 800m.  Jenny Simcock later said: “We went on the grass this morning for the first time and he had a nice little workout. I didn’t ask him to do too much as he’s plenty fit enough and overall I’m very happy with him. He’s drawn in one so we’ll see how that works out. He won’t be on the lead but I hope he can get a nice position in the race from there.”

Signs Of Blessing

He ran a bold 5th in this last year, after being hooked back from a wide gate. He’s drawn much better (5) this time and has settled into Sha Tin well over the course of the week, after initial reports of his wellbeing were not so good.

Worked 800m on turf in 56.0s (16.8, 14.4, 13.2, 11.6). Looked bright on Friday morning and showing no outward effects of his reported travel fatigue. Race day jockey Stephane Pasquier breezed the 2016 Prix Maurice de Gheest winner over 800m, finishing off in a sharp 11.6 seconds for the final 200m. Stephane Pasquier said: “He moved very well this morning and he kept straight and showed plenty of desire, all of which is very important with him. He is in very good shape, and with a much better draw than last year [5] I should be able to ride him a bit closer to the pace. It depends on how fast they go and he can get disheartened if the pace is very quick. But you saw here last year that he was able to follow the pace in Hong Kong easily enough.”

Pasquier had to throw plans A, B and C out the window 12 months ago when Signs Of Blessing drew stall 14 but the pair made up a huge amount of ground to finish fifth, beaten only a length and three quarters. He added: “He has been lucky with a low draw and next to the favourites and I will be trying to stay close to them. He is a super horse and he is certainly up to winning a race like this.”

 

 

Thanks to the team at the HKJC for all times and quotes I’ve used here over the week. Much appreciated!