After all the Japanese visitors galloped on the turf yesterday, they all remained in the quarantine barn today for maintenance work only. That meant the focus for the day was on the local brigade, who usually complete their fast work on a Thursday prior to Sunday’s race day.

There were plenty on show and quite a few I managed to miss while shooting Beauty Generation gallop up the back straight. I’ll present a few here and carry a few over for tomorrow.

Beauty Generation

Hong Kong’s reigning horse of the year is unbeaten this season and has now racked up 6 Group 1 wins. He looks almost unbeatable in the Champions Mile, and his gallop today did nothing to deter his supporters. He was originally scheduled to jump from the barriers at the top of the back straight, but jumped from a standing start instead.

“He jumps quickly from the barrier, and, after talking with Zac (Purton), there was a worry that we’d run the risk of him doing something to his hind quarters,” trainer John Moore said. “He was always going to go with a workmate – it’s good to chase, it gets them more focused. We sent him with the old Group 3 winner, Harbour Master – he’s retired now but he’s a good workmate. Beauty Generation enjoyed it, the work mate’s rider pulled up and Beauty just went on straight past him. I’m happy with that.”

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After he completed his work, Moore paraded his pride and joy for a throng of enthusiastic photographers. It’s important that these moments are chronicled for the good of the sport and I very much appreciate what John did this morning.

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Beat The Clock

In twenty career starts this guy has never failed to miss a top three placing, so he is very reliable horse, the sort that any owner would covet. He won the G1 Centenary Cup from Mr Stunning in January. He’s followed that win with a pair of seconds at G1 and G2 level. A win in the Chairmans Sprint would come as no surprise.

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Trainer John Size said: “He’s been in good shape, he’s worked strongly. It’s sort of coming towards the end of our big races in Hong Kong but he’s still training very well. I’m happy with him. He hasn’t taken any harm from his racing throughout the season but he only started racing in November, so I think he’s fine. He puts down a good run every day, he does his best. Every time he runs he runs well which is quite unusual actually.”

Mr Stunning

The dual Hong Kong Sprint winner is looking to secure his first success in the Chairmans Sprint. He raced a little against his pattern last start, when he led in the Sprint Cup, setting up the race for Rattan.

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The local brigade of sprinters are an even bunch, who will be challenged by Santa Ana Lane if he brings his best from from Australia.

Little Giant

Due to feet issues which has limited his racing, this talented galloper who was unbeaten in two NZ starts before export has only had eight starts in his Hong Kong career. Little Giant managed just 3 runs in his first two seasons in for two wins. He’s been sound in 4 of 5 starts this season. Arguably beaten by the wide draw when neck 3rd to Rattan in strong Panasonic Cup (1400m) at first Class 1 attempt last November. In his G1 debut when he ran a creditable 1.75L 4th to Mr Stunning in LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint. Freshened since failing behind Beauty Generation in G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) in February.

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