It was a busy morning out at Sha Tin with many horses having their final solid hit-out before racing on Sunday. I will hold someover until tomorrow, as it will be a quiet day as things begin to go into ‘taper mode’ prior to Sunday.

Aethero

This guy has a lot of expectation riding on him as Hong Kong searches for a new super star horse, especially in the sprint brigade. They’ve been well served in recent seasons by Mr Stunning and Beat The Clock, but neither has captured the imagination like some of the top sprinters from days gone by. Aethero has put in some blistering performances to date and if he continues to progress as he has so far, then that super star tag may fit comfortably.

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Today he took to the back straight for a gallop under the watchful eye of trainer John Moore. He clocked 51.6s (26.1, 25.5) over 800m down the river side under regular trackwork rider Romain Clavreul. Moore said: “His work has gone to plan. He’s a fit horse and I was happy with his gallop this morning.” Aethero drew gate 10 at the barrier draw.

Mount Everest

He was high in the Ballydoyle pecking order of possible Derby candidates as a 2yo after a 1600m maiden win, and was then 2nd to Japan in G2 Beresford Stakes (1600m). Mount Everest was not seen again until this autumn when raced four times for a 2000m Listed win and 6th in G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf (2400m). He missed kick there and raced at rear then stayed on for solid gains at the end. He gets back in his races and can perform on any ground.

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Today he cantered around the turf track with Ballydoyle team mates Anthony Van Dyke and Magic Wand. Pat Keating, travelling head lad for trainer Aidan O’Brien, said: “That was perfect. They just picked up a little at the end, so that was just what we wanted.”

Mr Stunning

Mr Stunning returned to racing after an injury enforced lay-off in the Jockey Club Sprint, where he was fair at best. He was in need of the run, no doubt, and should improve off that. However it is a big ask for the two time Hong Kong Sprint champion to bounce back and win here.

Today he worked on the outer dirt track looking very comfortable within himself.

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Furore

This years Derby winner hadn’t shown a lot since his big win in March, until he put in a good run in the Jockey Club Cup last month. Prior to his Derby win he’d also taken out the Classic Mile, so finished last season as Hong Kong’s top four year old.

Like his stable mate Mr Stunning he worked easily on the main dirt track. Hugh Bowman is back to take the ride on Sunday from barrier 1. He should get a good trail behind Glorious Forever and Time Warp.

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Beauty Generation

The dual horse of the year had appeared nigh on invincible, until he was beaten by Rise High, when taken on for the lead by Ka Ying Star two starts ago. He was expected to bounce back in the Jockey Club Mile, but was again beaten, this time by Waikuku, as Ka Ying Star again wrestled him for the lead.

Trainer John Moore has tinkered with his work and made an effort to bring his weight back down. Moore said: “We’ve tweaked some things, he’s fit and he’s a very sound horse. No excuses now. He’s not giving away lots of weight so we’re looking forward to a big run.” Today Beauty Generation took to the turf track alongside regular lead horse, the now-retired Group 3 winner Harbour Master. He completed the 1200m in 1m 24.4s (29.9, 30.6, 23.9).

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Persian Knight

There will not be any better looking horses stabled at Sha Tin than Persian Knight. Earlier this week he looked very keen when he was out on the dirt track, but appeared far more settled today. He was out of form in first half of 2019 but better in three starts since August; and back to something like his best in his latest run, when delivering a late rattle for 3rd to Indy Champ in G1 Mile Championship

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Today he worked on turf over 1200m in 1m 29.8s (33.2, 33.1, 23.5), with work rider Yuki Iwasaki in the irons. Iwasaki said: “He grabbed the bridle effortlessly and moved beautifully. He is ready for the race mentally as well.”

Thanks to the HKJC team for quotes from connections.