This did not appear to be the strongest edition of the Cup, however it was an even race with no clear standout. Japan’s Win Bright was back to try and repeat his FWD QEII Cup success, Magic Wand was representing the Ballydoyle operation after securing her first G1 success in the Mackinnon Stakes in Melbourne last month. The home team were hoping for Derby winner Furore and the up and coming Rise High, ridden by Vincent Ho to fly the Hong Kong flag.
As expected the brothers Time Warp and Glorious Forever set the pace, with Magic Wand settling in behind, with Win Bright on her outer. Furore was further back, with Rise High in front of him. As they turned for home Time Warp and Glorious Forever were challenged and soon folded. Rise High momentarily hit the front, but Win Bright kept coming and took the lead. Neither Ryan Moore on Magic Wand or Hugh Bowman on Furore will remember the run home fondly, both finding trouble impeding their progress. Magic Wand switched inside, but it was too late, Win Bright held her out to take a great Sha Tin double for 2019.
HKIR Race Day 2019 – 8/12/19
Hong Kong Cup winner Win Bright, ridden by Masami Matsuoka, trained by Yoshihiro Hatekeyama
“It went the way we were expecting,” jockey Masami Matsuoka said. “I thought the pace would be slow so I wanted to sit third or fourth. I was very happy it all went to plan. We perhaps made our move maybe a bit early as we were carrying plenty of speed into the straight. This is great because his last two starts have not been satisfactory. The horse has been improving all week since he got here. We had a memorable day in April and it is special to come back.”
Trainer Yoshihiro Hatekeyama said “After his summer break he couldn’t get into top condition. His last two runs were below what I expected but he began to improve straight after the Tenno Sho Autumn and we always wanted to come here if we got the invite.
“He was in really good shape by the time he left Japan and that is why we were able to follow the same routine here as when we came in April.
“Tactically the race went exactly to plan. We wanted to sit handy. At the first bend he tried to tuck in and perhaps put a little pressure to the others. He came home really well in the straight.”
Home town hero Beauty Generation was looking for his third straight win in the Hong Kong Mile, a feat only ever achieved before by Good Ba Ba. However there appeared to be chinks in what previously appeared to be impenetrable armour, with him going down in his last two starts. Waikuku who beat him last start, appeared to be the next best of the locals.
The Japanese had bought a strong contingent, current champion Miler Indy Champ and three year old Admire Mars, who was the dominant two year old of his crop. At the jump Beauty Generation and Indy Champ were equal favourites.
As expected both Ka Ying Star and Beauty Generation jumped well, with the Purton settling on the outer of Ka Ying Star and Karis Teetan. Admire Mars took a spot mid-field and Indy Champ behind him, with Waikuku in the final pair.
Beauty Generation kicked at the top of the straight, but that dominating sprint of days gone by was not apparent. The challengers came quickly – Admire Mars, Waikuku and Normcore all pressed claims. However it was Christophe Soumillion and and Admire Mars who hit the frame from Waikuku and Joao Moreira, with Beauty Generation holding on for third.
“I knew my horse was very strong, although his last run wasn’t that good,” Soumillon said. “He was the best two-year-old last year in Japan, probably the best three-year-old in Japan too. “I knew he could stay that distance quite well, he has good gate speed, he liked the ground, so I was quite happy. I told the lad before the race when I saw the odds on the screen ‘there’s something wrong there because for me he should be in the first four favourites’. I rode my race as if he was the favourite and it paid off.”
Trainer Yusuo Tomomichi – “I did think this was going to be a difficult race for a three-year-old to win, but when I saw how he had settled here earlier this week, I thought that he looked really well,” he said.
“Christophe Soumillon had asked to ride the horse, and he gave him a very good ride.”
He continued: “We were all going to wear the same suit and tie together, so it still feels as if Mr Kondo is with us watching the race. He was a big supporter for me for a long time, he had many good horses, and he was a very good person.”
Of Beauty generation, John Moore commented “He was gallant in defeat,” said Moore. “In his last two runs he hasn’t been hitting the line as we’d expect. That’s what Zac said and he confirmed that.
“He’s just not going through the gears when he gets into the straight and he did it again today. The Stewards’ Cup will be his next Group 1 race and we’ll take it race by race from there.”
Thanks to the HKJC team for quotes from connections.
The local brigade looked set to dominate this race, especially after one of the two overseas visitors (In Her Time) was withdrawn on race morning under vets instructions. However the question was whether emerging star Aethero trained by John Moore could hold out the established brigade, particularly the John Size duo of Hot King Prawn and Beat The Clock and Frankie Lor’s two time winner Mr Stunning.
As expected Aethero pinged the gates and crossed the field from his wide gate (10), enabling jockey Zac Purton to lead the field up. Mr Stunning and Hot King Prawn settled in behind and Beat The Clock was three back on the rail. Aethero kicked upon straightening, and was able to put a small gap on them. However the established stars kept coming and it was Joao Moreira and Beat The Clock who hit the frame late from Hot King Prawn, with Aethero holding out for third.
HKIR Race Day 2019 – 8/12/19
Hong Kong Sprint winner Beat The Clock, ridden by Joao Moreira, trained by John Size
“There’s no way I could be any happier. What a pleasure to be on top of two very nice horses, particularly this guy. He is such a good horse, so consistent, he tries his best always and being his rider is just unforgettable,” said Moreira.
“When the gates opened he wasn’t fast enough. He didn’t settle where we wanted him to be which was a pair closer but once we were turning for home I could feel I had plenty in my hands and I realised he was coming to win the race with one furlong (200m) to go. This will be in the back of my mind all my life. I’ve been associated with this horse for quite some time. Some people were doubting how good he was and rating him second to other horses in the race. He went there to prove today he’s the best sprinter in Hong Kong. And the best part of it is I don’t think that’s it, I think there’s more to come from him,” Moreira added.
Trainer John Size said: “It’s just his character I guess, his will to win and fighting spirit; all the good things that good horses have, he has all those attributes. He helps himself a lot with his training. He saves his energy for race day. I think he’ll sleep for a week now. He used every ounce of energy in his body in today’s effort and it’s humbling to see a horse do that actually.
“He’s a joy when he comes to the races, I can assure you of that. You’re going to come home with a cheque no matter what; he’s been been an absolute pleasure. He was extremely brave in the run today. He didn’t look like he was going to win but we know with him he’s just not done until the finishing line comes up,” he said.
“This was one of his best performances today, if not his best,” Size said, “and he will feel it. They’re only flesh and blood no matter how good their character.
“It’s very humbling to watch a horse like that. It’s an amazing feeling. It’s actually not much to do with me in the last 50 or 100 yards. We just keep them out of harm’s way and get them to the races to do their best so it’s an unusual feeling and hard to describe; someone who’s more of an orator than me might be able to tell you.
“It’s just natural to be emotional when a horse does something like this space. It humbles you, that is the best word I can think of. It means plenty to win here. It’s always meaningful to perform well at international level in front of your home crowd.
“From the first day he trialled, he showed us he was a bit different and when he hit the track the sectional times he reeled off at the end of a sprint race showed his Group 1 potential and he’s delivered, he’s got the character and the mindset for it,” he said.
Trainer John Moore was not disappointed with the effort of Aethero. “He’s a three-year-old, only got beaten a neck, so I’m very pleased with the run. He didn’t win but was gallant in defeat. Zac (Purton) said that when he went for him at the 200 (metres), he was expecting something there – that they could kick away a bit but it wasn’t there. He changed legs and that was the difference. He’s definitely still an exciting horse.”
Thanks to the HKJC team for quotes from connections.
In what was a prelude of things to come, Japanese visitor Glory Vase romped away with the 2019 Hong Kong Vase, after looking to be in a precarious position as the field straightened for home. With horses in front of him failing Joao Moreira switched from a three wide lane back towards the rail to find the right gaps and streak away to secure a first G1 win for the son of Deep Impact (ex Mejiro Tsubone)
HKIR Race Day 2019 – 8/12/19 Hong Kong Vase winner Glory Vase, ridden by Joao Moreira, trained by Tomohito Ozeki
From a wide gate Zac Purton pushed favourite Exultant forward and set a reasonable pace, with Anthony Van Dyck and Southern Legend also pushing forward. As the latter two began to tire, Moreira was forced to make a decision about the path he would take, he chose correctly and Gory Vase went on to claim victory by 3.5 lengths from compatriot Lucky Lilac, with Exultant hanging on for third
“I was quite blessed to get in two off the fence, get cover and get him to relax,” Moreira said. “I had horses on top of me at the 800 metres but good horses, if they face a tough situation, they just go through with it and he wasn’t any different.
“He just kept himself in the gap and just before we turned for home I was kind of trapped and had to ride for luck. I sneaked on the inside and hoped the gap would come. Fortunately it did.
“When I got the gap he just dashed from the 350 (metres) and I knew I was the winner because I had plenty of horse underneath me and he was just attacking the line as a really good horse would.”
HKIR Race Day 2019 – 8/12/19
Hong Kong Vase winner Glory Vase, ridden by Joao Moreira, trained by Tomohito Ozeki
Meanwhile, Glory Vase’s trainer Tomohito Ozeki was delighted with his first Hong Kong win.
“I’m overwhelmed,” he said as his Deep Impact four-year-old walked back to unsaddle and have the winner’s sash clipped around his neck.
“Moreira did an amazing job riding the horse. We had a meeting together yesterday and felt good about our chances.
“The plan was to come here, we’ve been targeting this race because we felt the track would suit him and the owner was happy to come. Winning international races like this, this is my job as a trainer, this is the best.”
Purton felt the wide draw was too much for Exultant. “The barrier (14) was always going to make it difficult, so it was what it was. He tried his best and ran well,” he said.
This is a tough race for mine, it’s appears very even after the withdrawal of standout runner Almond Eye, there are no champions here now.
From a pace perspective, expect it to be a good gallop. The last two winners have led throughout, the brothers Time Warp and Glorious Forever. Both are one dimensional in that they need to be at the front and expect them to cart the field along as they duel for the lead. Magic Wand should be able to drop in behind with Furore and FWD QE II winner Win Bright settle behind those. Rise High will get back.
The local hopes revolve around Furore and Rise High. Furore returned to something like his best in the Jockey Club Cup after failing to flatter in his two runs after his Derby success. Rise High was successful over Beauty Generation two starts ago, but was only fair in the Jockey Club Cup.
Unlike Waikuku, Furore got a gun ride in the Derby. Bowman should be able to pick a nice spot to settle here.
Mackinnon Stakes winner Magic Wand has doen plenty of racing and travelling of late, but get her chance to land another G1 here.
She should settle in a nice spot behind the pace and get every chance to finish her race off. She is a typical tough Galileo and the racing and travel appear to have taken no toll on her.
Win Bright returns to the scene of his greatest triumph in the FWD QEII Cup. He’s not returned to the same form as earlier this year, so he is hard to have here, but after witnessing his run in April, I can’t entirely discard him.
The Alain de Royer Dupre trained Edisa is a progressive 3yo filly who followed a win in the Jockey Club Oaks Invitational at Belmont USA, with a second in G2 Prix du Conseil de Paris. Her dam Ebiyza ran in the Vase in 2013, finishing sixth to the John Moore trained Dominant. Her form has been good all season with three wins and three seconds from seven starts.
Beauty Generation looked nigh on invincible, until beaten second up this preparation by Rise High. That came off a gut busting first up effort where he broke the Sha Tin track record for 1400m, lugging a big weight and conceding many pounds to his competitors. He was expected to bounce back in the Jockey Club Mile, but was again beaten, this time by Waikuku, who showed a return on his promise from his four year old season.
Beauty Generation has led from go to whoa in his two Hong kong Mile victories, but he will face a contest fro the lead here, from Ka Ying Star. Waikuku is likely to roll forward from ten and find a position. Japanese star Indy Champ will likely settle mid pack.
Indy Champ is Japan’s standout miler this year. He developed from below the top level with three wins from six starts as a 3yo and tarted this year with G3 1600m win. The mighty Almond Eye was third when he won the G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) in June. Indy Champ then returned with a warm-up G2 3rd in October and then took Japan’s second 1600m major the G1 Mile Championship in November. Maurice in 2015 completed the same G1 double before winning this race.
Sha Tin Track Work – 4/12/19
Indy Champ (冠軍車手), representing Japan, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Mile during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
Admire Mars is a winner of five from eight races, and went undefeated in four starts as 2yo last year including the G1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (1600m). Forth to Saturnalia in G1 Satsuki Sho (2000m) earlier in the year, but he bounced back against his 3yo peers to win G1 NHK Mile Cup in May. He then returned from a summer break with a sub-par 9th to Normcore in the G3 Fuji Stakes (1600m) in October.
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 as the week wore on. 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.
Normcore comes to Hong Kong off a win in the G1 in the Victoria Mile, and in 2018 enjoyed success at G2 and G3 level. On bare form she may struggle to be up to the level of some of the others here, but is clearly in the best form of her career.
This is clearly dependant on which Beauty Generation shows up, he’ll clearly need to be at his absolute best to win.
My stabs: Indy Champ, Beauty Generation, Waikuku, Ka Ying Star
The local sprinters have dominated this event in recent years and this edition looks no different. Two time winner Mr Stunning is back looking for the hat-trick, Beat The Clock is aiming to add this to his Chairmans Sprint prize victory and Hot King Prawn is aiming for his first success at G1 level. But the major stumbling block for them all is likely to be new kid on the block Aethero.
The sprint course at Sha Tin offers a run of just on 300m to the first turn and barriers are of critical importance. A horse that might be placed handy on the rail from a low draw can literally be forced to go back to last. The three most favoured positions from a statistical viewpoint, when the rail is in the A (true) position, are the leader, the horse following the leader and the horse outside that follower. The recent history of the race suggests that the winner will settle within the compass of the first three positions (counting back from the leader).
With that in mind Aethero has drawn wide in ten, but had no problems crossing them from gate nine in the Jockey Club Sprint. Hot King Prawn is in one and Beat The Clock has three, while Mr Stunning is in two. So all the favourites are well treated.
It’s not difficult to see Aethero crossing the field to lead, or at worst sit outside the leader, perhaps Hot King Prawn. Regency Legend is likely to track Aethero across from his wide gate (twelve). Regency Legend is the interesting runner, his only failure coming in the Jockey Club Cup. He has bleeding issues and perhaps that was his problem last time. It’s hard to trust him based on that, but if he finds his best would prominent.
Two visitors come into the race. The Japanese sprinter Danon Smash is a son of two time winner here, Lord Kanaloa. He’s not been able to win at G1 level yet, but would rate as the second best sprinter in Japan behind Tower Of London. In Her Time is under an injury cloud with a quarter crack to a hoof, not ideal for the firm track she is likely to face tomorrow. Even her best would see her struggle to win this at this stage of her career.
I really liked the run of Hot King Prawn in the Jockey Club Sprint, his first after a colic operation in February. He’ll no doubt take improvement from that. Aethero has looked so good all week, a really relaxed young horse, he’ll be a tough one to beat.
My Stabs: Hot King Prawn, Aethero, Beat The Clock, Danon Smash
No track work today, but I will see if I can have a stab at finding the winner of the four G1 races tomorrow.
This year’s Hong Kong Vase lacks a clear or obvious leader, so it’s hard to imagine the pace being strong. The Sha Tin 2400m circuit is quite fast by European standards and requires a sharp stayer to get the best results. Horses getting too far back in the field have a poor record.
Last years winner, Exultant, goes into this a clear favourite, after a consistent year and a strong last start win in the Jockey Club Cup. Of the home brigade, he is the only winning chance.
The visitors are an interesting group, with no standout contender. This years Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck comes with the highest profile, but has not returned to the winners circle his his Derby triumph.
He was a sound a sound third in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes and then a somewhat unlucky third in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf. The wide draw could be an issue for him. Stable mate Mount Everest was sixth in the Breeders Cup turf also.
Sha Tin Track Work – 4/12/19
Anthony Van Dyck (御用畫匠), representing Ireland, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Vase during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
Prince Of Arran brings some good from from Melbourne this year (as he did last year when finishing mid-pack). He drew wide last year, but the barrier gods have been kinder this year with a mid-gate in eight. From there he could settle closer to the speed as he did in the Geelong Cup, which he won.
The Japanese team of Glory Vase, Deirdre and Lucky Lilac all have claims, with Deirdre being the best performed of the three. She won the G1 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood and was seriously unlucky in the Irish Champion Stakes when finishing forth. Lucky Lilac produced a career peak win last start in G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2200m) at Kyoto when she closed late down the rail. She has had a slight injury query during the week, and faces a vet check on Saturday morning, which she has been passed fit to run.
Deirdre is unplaced in three trips beyond 2200m, so does have to be a query at the trip. Lucky Lilac looks suited to 2400 metres.
My stabs are: Exultant, Anthony Van Dyck, Lucky Lilac and Prince of Arran.
Not a busy day at all at the track, with a couple of horses having a turf gallop, but most either confined to their stable after Thursday gallops or cantering on the dirt. I’ll cover a couple from Thursday morning here as well.
Exultant
HKIR Track Work at Sha Tin – 5/12/19
Exultant (時時精綵), representing Hong Kong, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Vase during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
Tony Cruz’s 2018 Vase winner worked Thursday morning on the dirt track. Initially I underrated his win last year, but the race has since produced an Arc winner (Waldgeist) and Lys Gracieux also won the Cox Plate. Exultant himself has also been very consistent, winning four of six since last December, including a last start win in the Jockey Club Cup.
On Thursday he galloped over 800m on the larger all-weather track, clocking 56.3s (30.0, 26.3). Trainer Tony Cruz said: “I was happy with that work. All he needed was a regular, routine gallop.”
Ka Ying Star
HKIR Track Work at Sha Tin – 5/12/19
Ka Ying Star 嘉應之星), representing Hong Kong, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Mile during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
A winner of only two from eleven, Ka Ying Star has however been very consistent, placing in the top three on six other occasions. He’s been Beauty Generation’s nemesis in the last two occasions, contesting for the lead and giving the champion miler no respite. He has drawn low, so should be able to get forward easily enough, with Beauty Generation on his outside. Last start he was second to Waikuku in the Jockey Club Mile, sticking on very well.
On Thursday he was ridden by trainer Tony Cruz’s assistant Cody Mo, he stepped out over 1200m on the main all-weather track in a time of 1m 28.7s (33.4, 29.0, 26.3). Trainer Tony Cruz said: “He did a nice gallop and I’m happy with that. He’s fit and he’s in good form.”
Admire Mars
HKIR Sha Tin Track Work – 6/12/19
Admire Mars (頌讚火星), representing Japan, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Mile during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
He is a winner of five from eight races, Admire Mars went undefeated in four starts as 2yo last year including the G1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (1600m). Forth to Saturnalia in G1 Satsuki Sho (2000m) earlier in the year, but bounced back against his 3yo peers to win G1 NHK Mile Cup in May. He then returned from a summer break with a sub-par 9th to Normcore in the G3 Fuji Stakes (1600m) in October.
Yesterday he worked three quarters of a lap around the all-weather course over 1200m in 1m30.9s (31.7, 30.7, 28.5) and finished the morning with a bit of paddock and gate schooling. Assistant trainer Yusuke Oe said: “He is relaxing nicely and when we neared the track, he took hold of the bit, so he is ready to run. His schooling went very well.”
Zaaki
HKIR Sha Tin Track Work – 6/12/19
Zaaki (品德高尚), representing Great Britain, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Mile during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
He was a little reluctant to go for his turf gallop initially, but was fine after In Her Time galloped by. He had an easy breeze on the turf covering 1200m in 1m 27.5s (29.3, 32.5, 25.7), followed by a visit to the parade ring. Work rider Fabien Guilois said of the four-year-old gelding, who will be ridden by Ryan Moore on Sunday: “He did a normal canter on turf today, just like yesterday. He has done nothing but improve all through the year and comes here at the top of his game.”
In Her Time
HKIR Sha Tin Track Work – 6/12/19
In Her Time (芳華正茂), representing Australia, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Sprint during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
The Australian mare has had an easy time of it this week, having done her preparation at home. Yesterday was her only visit to the turf course, covering the final 800m in 59.7s (34.0, 25.7). Trainer Kris Lees said: “She looks good, I’m happy with her. She’s pretty relaxed and settled in well. Obviously air travel is a little different but she’s coped. She’s been to Melbourne four times and box to box Newcastle to Caulfield by road is not dissimilar time-wise. She’s stabled alone here but that hasn’t bothered her. The old trick of the mirror in the box and I had her stabled on her own for 10 days at home, before she left, just get to used to it. She’s fine.”
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
HKIR Track Work at Sha Tin – 5/12/19
Aethero (忠心勇士), representing Hong Kong, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Sprint during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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.
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
HKIR Track Work at Sha Tin – 5/12/19 Mount Everest (額菲爾峰), representing Ireland, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Vase during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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.
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
HKIR Track Work at Sha Tin – 5/12/19
Mr. Stunning (紅衣醒神), representing Hong Kong, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Sprint during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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.
Furore
HKIR Track Work at Sha Tin – 5/12/19
Furore (添滿意), representing Hong Kong, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Cup during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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.
Beauty Generation
Sha Tin Track Work – 4/12/19
Beauty Generation (美麗傳承), representing Hong Kong, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Mile during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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).
Persian Knight
HKIR Track Work at Sha Tin – 5/12/19
Persian Knight (波斯劍客, representing Japan, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Mile during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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
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.
