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Horse Racing, Photography, Travel

Chairmans Sprint 2018

Going into a major G1 race with five starters is a magnificent training feat, when you have the three market favourites even better. To come away with the trifecta is an even more significant achievement. John Size managed to pull this off on Sunday, with the least exposed of his runners, Ivictory securing the major share of the prize prizemoney.

(c) 2017 Grant Courtney

Despite climbing from a Class 2 race at Happy Valley straight into G1 company, Ivictory (Zac Purton) was well supported and started second favourite at $2.70, behind last start G2 winner Beat The Clock (Joao Moreira) at $2.30. The third horse in the market was Hong Kong sprint winner Mr Stunning (Sam Clipperton) at $4.40.

Settling in behind the leaders, Peniaphobia and Blue Point, Ivictory was able to kick clear in the straight. After initially looking flat footed, Mr Stunning chased hard, but ran out of straight before he could catch Ivictory.

“It’s a big jump actually, from a Class 2,” Size sai. “I’m thrilled and relieved to see the first three favourites in the finish. Ivictory had given us all the signs. He’d won six of seven before today and his past two were emphatic including a track record time at the (Happy) Valley but there was still the possibility it might be one run too early for him.

“But as it turned out he got the run of the race and showed that he was up to it.”

Zac Purton said “I was fortunate to get on him and at the right time and then the race set up well for him, taking the trail behind the two leaders. He was quick and strong as two good horses set after him,”.

Clipperton said of Mr Stunning, “My horse was just beaten by a better one on the day”.

Moreira said of third place getter, Beat The Clock “He ran very well, finishing off very close to the winner. I’m not disappointed with the horse, I think the track is playing in favour of the front-runners.”

Considering Size has DB Pin at home and rising three year old Hot King Prawn as well, there is plenty to look forward to for the stable next season. Probably not so much for the other trainers with sprinters amongst their ranks.

Thanks to the HKJC team for the quotes from trainers and jockeys.

Champions Mile 2018

Given the racing pattern of the day – this race was as straight forward as they come. On a track playing to those on speed, Beauty Generation was a market shortener, while Seasons Bloom was a drifter. The money was right as Seasons Bloom disappointed and Beauty Generation and Zac Purton took full advantage of the way the track was playing.

(c) 2017 Grant Courtney

He dwelt slightly from the gate, but was driven to lead from by Purton, it was a cakewalk from that point onwards. The result never looked in doubt at any stage, even as Beauty Generation drifted out in the straight.

“It wasn’t ideal that he didn’t really muster out of the gates like he normally does,” Purton said. “He didn’t really dwell, he just wasn’t that quick. I actually thought Pingwu Spark had the speed to cross me early and he was going to cross, but as he was coming, he seemed to spot something and shy and he lost his momentum. That allowed me to roll back underneath him and take control.

“That was a crucial part of the race and I feel that is where we won it. It meant that I could dictate from there, and I was always going to be hard to run down when I got out on the speed. He doesn’t really quicken but he lengthens and that’s when he’s hard to run down.”

Afterwards trainer John Moore laid out the case for Beauty Generation to be horse of the year “Coming into today, you’d have thought it was a close call between Time Warp and Beauty Generation for Horse of the Year,” Moore said. “Pakistan Star might have entered the conversation today, too, but Beauty Generation has won three Group 1 races and done it against international company so he might just be the best horse in town.

“If we need a few more points on the board, then the Singapore race might be on the cards. I’d consider the Champions & Chater, too, but if I made a mistake and he ran down the field, it could hurt his case. He’s the iron horse of Hong Kong though, to be up so long and to go out and win that sort of race like he did, he’s something.”

 Second in the race was Western Express and jockey sam Clipperton said of his effort “Western Express ran his usual honest race, he just needs everything to go right and he will get one,”. Trainer John Size said of plans for the Yasuda Kinen: “I never make a decision on raceday about what will happen next, but he does hold an entry so it is something to think about.”

Third placed Southern Legend may also travel. Trainer casper Fownes said “I’ll have to speak to the owner but Japan is a consideration. He’s shown a lot of heart there again. It’s a run with a lot of merit and bodes well for December because that’s where he’s going; he’s just starting to get there now, he’s showing us that he’s a proper Group 1 horse and that’s exciting.”

Joao Moreira said of the disappointing Seasons Bloom “He was a little bit unlucky at the start, he jumped okay but the horses around him had him tight and took his runs, so he got a little too far back and it was just too hard to make up ground.”

Thanks to the HKJC team for the quotes from trainers and jockeys.

Audemars Piquet QEII Cup

I said during the week that Pakistan Star is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma (using the Churchill quote about Russia) and Sunday was a reminder that he could be any one of these. If there are multiple versions of him, we saw the outstanding Pakistan Star on Sunday. The dynamic burst of speed evident in his first two starts was on show again, as he burst clear of the pack upon straightening.

(c) 2017 Grant Courtney

That speed was also there at his previous start where he rattled home, however the bad Pakistan Star was also evident that day. It took some serious urging from Joao Moreira to ensure he did not pull up in the back straight in The Chairmans Trophy. The stewards saw fit to make him trial again after that – he passed the test, but not without raising a few eyebrows as he appeared to have a think about it in the straight under Tommy Berry.

His work during the week had looked good, but with doubts about his state of mind he went out at $4.80 on the Hong Kong tote much longer that his previous prices. He was also on his third nominated jockey for the race – Silvestre de Sousa was originally booked and couldn’t make suitable travel arrangements, replacement Kerrin McEvoy fell ill and was unable to travel. William Buick was on a plane when the booking for him was made.

The race itself was straightforward. Pakistan Star jumped well and settled in behind the leader, on a day where the track played to those on speed. He travelled well enough and when the gap opened for him after straightening he cleared the pack and went onto to win by three lenghts.

“I obviously feel sorry for Kerrin McEvoy, it was his intended ride and I’m just lucky to jump on him,” Buick said. “I’m very fortunate that I got the ride and it was a very nice surprise for me when I landed in Hong Kong.

“He’s showed his class today, he was very straightforward through the race, got a beautiful run and the only thing going through my mind was if the split was going to come or not. As soon as it came he was fast to go in there and won very well, he felt like a very fast horse.”

“He’s quite a famous horse for his antics so I was aware of him and I was aware of what he can do,” Buick said. “I took on board all of the information I knew about the horse and also thought it was quite important to ride him with a fresh mind and just be very positive about the horse.

“Tony did say he’s not a horse you can bully into doing things, you have to treat him with kid gloves and make him want to do it, rather than make him do it. He never gave me any kind of indication that he was going to do what he has done in the past.

“He felt beautiful today and when he quickened up the straight he felt like a world class mile-and-a-quarter horse – the field was stacked with stars.”

Trainer Tony Cruz must surely wake up on race day dreading the possible outcome when he takes his charge to the track. “We got a great draw and he pinged the gate,” Cruz said. “I said that no matter, he had to stay in behind Time Warp because Time Warp was going to run his own race; I said to just stay cool, just relax him and wait – the jockey rode a perfect race.”

“The Champions & Chater is the only race for him here, so I’ll work out with his owner where else we might take him – Royal Ascot or something. He needs racing, he’s only had four races – he’s had more barrier trials!

“He’s taught me a lot, how he thinks – he’s got a racing mind now, he wants to race. He’s much more professional now and he’s improving all the time.” Cruz added.

The Royal Ascot comment seemed a spur of the moment thing, entries are closed and Pakistan Star is not amongst them. So The Champions & Chater is his next race and may do him for the season. I can’t wait to see him at 2400m!

Thanks to the HKJC team for the quotes from trainer and jockey.

Hong Kong Champions Day Stabs

AUDEMARS PIQUET QEII CUP

The feature race on the card has drawn a small, but competitive field. Hong Kong Cup winner Time Warp is looking to add another feature to his resume and stake a claim for Horse of the Year. His trainer Tony Cruz also brings Pakistan Star and Gold Mount to the race, mounting a three pronged attack.

Speed: Returning back to his favoured distance after racing over 1600m last start, Time Warp should get an uncontested lead. The Japanese duo, Al Ain and Danburite are likely settle in behind him. Pakistan Star is better ridden quietly and connections have indicated that he will be after he was more prominent on his return to racing in the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup. Derby winner Ping Hai Star will also be back in the field. Given the lack of pressure the pace is likely to be on the slow side and build through the race.

Given that scenario it looks a repeat of the Hong Kong Cup, where Zac Purton and Time Warp put on a clinic going from barrier to wire to win easily. He did fail in his last start at 1600m, finishing 10/10 in a high pressure race. If you are prepared to forgive that he is your horse. The wild card is obviously Pakistan Star – which one will turn up? The rogue who is prone to stop, or the talented closer who can reel off unbelievable sectionals? He’s hard to tip in this given his antics last time, even in his qualifying barrier trial he had a look around in the home straight.

The Japanese runners bring solid form, without it being out standing. Both ran in the Osaka Hai, with Al Ain finishing 3rd and being the better run in the race. Danburite has looked settled all week, and Al Ain had a hissy fit on Thursday where he refused to gallop for over 45 minutes (aside from that he has looked well).

If Derby winner Ping Hai Star can over come the likely slow pace he is well suited, despite the obvious rise in class here.

Stabs: Ping Hai Star, Time Warp, Pakistan Star, Al Ain

CHAMPIONS MILE

Beauty Generation is another looking to repeat the heroics of a win in HKIR last December. As is the case with Time Warp, Zac Purton will look to lead from the get go and build the speed as the race goes on.

Speed: Beauty Generation leads and Southern Legend is likely to be handy along with Blizzard and Pingwu Spark. Moreira should position Seasons Bloom back of mid-pack and last start winner Beauty Only is the likely trailer. Western Express is also likely to be back in the field. The pace is likely to be slow and steady.

The race sets up well for Beauty Generation, who does come off a tough run in the Chairmans Trophy. Seasons Bloom has had a break since the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup and runs his bets races off in that scenario. Southern Legend steps up in class but has been in good form and the race may set up well for him. Western Express has mixed form, but was good at his most recent outing.

Stabs: Seasons Bloom, Beauty Generation, Southern Legend, Beauty Only

CHAIRMANS SPRINT

A strong local brigade meets the two visitors, both in Godolphin colours – Blue Point for Charlie Appleby and Fine Needle for Yoshitada Takahashi. Mr Stunning seeks to be the third of the December HKIR winners seeking to win the Spring feature, this time he will be ridden by Sam Clipperton who gained the ride after the suspension of Nash Rawiller.

Speed: Blue Point is a pace runner and Ivictory led from go to whoa at high speed at his last start. Peniaphobia is also a leader, but may have to take a sit here. The pace should be good. Mr Stunning is adaptable, but should be just off the speed from a good gate. Fine Needle and Beat The Clock will be mid-field or slightly worse. The Wizardofoz and Amazing Kids are the closers.

The race sets up well for Mr Stunning, who though beaten in the Sprint Cup by Beat The Clock, does get five pounds back here. Ivictory is the new kid on the block, but this may come a bit soon for him. Last years winner Lucky Bubbles has had a poor season, but jockey Brett Prebble is confident he has his zest back. The visitors are up against it here, they are good horses no doubt, but better have come before them, and gone home empty handed.

Stabs: Mr Stunning, Beat The Clock, Ivictory, Lucky Bubbles

Good luck all and safe travels to all horses and jockeys.

 

 

 

 

 

Sha Tin Track Work 27.04.2018

Some of the images from the photoblog today are from Thursday mornings work. I have a few images of some of the local horses who will be on the undercard to the G1 races on Sunday, and have included them for interests sake.

DANBURITE

As opposed to his quirky friend Al Ain, Danburite has appeared to have a very straight forward week here in Hong Kong. Thursday was his second gallop on the grass this week and all went well as opposed to the side-show his countryman was putting on at the same time.

He worked on the turf track over 800m under exercise rider and assistant trainer Shinichiro Kobayashi, clocking 57.6s (33.0, 24.6). Kobayashi said: “After he warmed up in the trotting ring he went out to the turf course and cantered. He started to accelerate from the 600m pole and was driven in the stretch. He moved nicely and responded well. He did almost everything he needed to do before he came over here, so I haven’t asked him to do too much this week.  Everything has gone as planned. Tomorrow he will visit the paddock area and the starting gate for schooling.”

This morning he exercised in the quarantine stables’ trotting ring and then schooled at the paddock and the starting gate. Assistant trainer Shinichiro Kobayashi said: “He usually becomes eager when he walks around the paddock before he has a preliminary canter on race day.  He was a bit excited this morning after he walked at the paddock, but it has been a good experience for him to be familiarised with it.  Hopefully he will be more relaxed on Sunday.  He practiced to stand still with the stall handler staying beside him in the gate, and he was fine with it, which should be effective on Sunday.”

(c) 2017 Grant Courtney

BLUE POINT

Thursday he worked on the turf where he stretched his legs for a couple of furlongs under work rider Giuseppe Bussu. Sophie Chretien, assistant to trainer Charlie Appleby, said: “He won’t go back on the grass, he’ll stay on the dirt until the race now. He’s just going to go easy for the next couple of days, we want to keep him fresh and happy, we’re not going to try anything smart, just make him enjoy himself. We’re very happy with him, he’s eating and enjoying himself so we’ve just got to hope we can keep him like that until Sunday.”

Trainer Charlie Appleby was on track today and has an air of confidence about him. “I’m delighted with him,” he said. “He shipped in very well, Sophie knows him inside out and the team was pleased with the way he settled into his surroundings. He was on the turf yesterday, Giuseppe said he moved around beautifully, he was pleased to see him switching his leads well. He’s doing all the right stuff, showing us all the right signs.”

On his last minute scratching from the Dubai meet “Frankly, we’re here now so it wasn’t too serious,” Appleby explained. “If it had been serious, we wouldn’t be standing where we are now. It was an unfortunate situation, he must have given himself a bang somewhere along the line there, but post-race, we haven’t had a setback at all. It was just fortunate on the night that we had a reserve there in Jungle Cat to pick up the pieces. It’s worked out well too because we come here with a fresh horse.

“If Blue Point had run on World Cup night, this would have been a serious question – coming out here and then heading on to Royal Ascot, it would have been a tough test. But the way it has panned out, timing-wise, it suits us. It was a race we purposely made the entry for, not quite knowing what would happen, and with him missing World Cup night, it was a logical step coming here and then going on to Royal Ascot.”

Confidence is one thing, taking on the local brigade and beating them on their own patch is another. He will do well to run a place.

FINE NEEDLE

Fine Needle made an appearance on the dirt track after a quiet day in the quarantine area yesterday. He cantered a lap, and did throw his head about somewhat, not letting his rider relax at all.


Trainer Yoshitada Takahashi said: “He has settled in well and has really acquainted himself with the surroundings. He has moved comfortably during his work and felt good this morning. Mentally, he has been switched on and sharpened up since the breeze he had the other day.  All has gone well so far.”

HOT KING PRAWN

One of the highlights of the undercard will be seeing the unbeaten John Size trained sprinter Hot King Prawn. He will race over 1200m for the first time, having made all his starts to date down the 1000m straight at Sha Tin. He comes up against a solid field of Class 2 gallopers, which includes debutants Summer Passage and Eptimum. Hot King Prawn is awkwardly drawn in gate eight and is burdened with top weight. However on all he has shown to date, he is well suited here.

 

SIMPLY BRILLIANT

The first of the progeny of star stallion Frankel to land a win in Hong Kong, Simply Brilliant runs over a mile in a Class Two event. He’s put together two wins on the trot now, and is really looking like he’s settling into the pattern here in Hong Kong. With the tough handicapping it is difficult to string multiple wins together. However he really looks relaxed and well, so another win would not surprise. He does have a tough task ahead of him though with both Easy Go Easy Win and Citron Spirit in good form. He’s drawn the outside gate and hoop Olivier Doleuze will have his work cut out finding an easy run.

Sha Tin Track Work 26.04.2018

TIME WARP

The winner of the Hong Kong Cup looks well ahead of the APQEII on Sunday. He’s drawn wide in gate seven of eight for Sunday, but there does not appear to be a great amount of speed inside him. Zac Purton should be able to slide him across cheaply and make his own running. He was below par at his latest outing, however is likely to start favourite moving back to his preferred trip of 2000m.

He galloped on the dirt track this morning, along with other members of Tony Cruz’s team. He certainly looks well and a bold run from him on Sunday would not surprise.

PAKISTAN STAR

It’s difficult to know what to make of Pakistan Star’s chances on Sunday. You truly can’t trust him to turn up and want to run. He’s no doubt one of the most talented horses stabled at Sha Tin, but he is just plan mad. He has a new jockey booking, with Kerrin McEvoy now to take the ride as Silvestre De Sousa’s travel plans were not able to be confirmed. Kerrin is a great rider, but this will be challenging for him, having not laid eyes on Pkistan Star. It is a strange decision to my way of thinking, with Matthew Chadwick here who knows him well and has won on the horse.

He galloped 800m on the dirt track, recording a time of 57.0s (30.7, 26.3). Trainer Tony Cruz said: “Pakistan Star was out on the track this morning and he’s fine, he’s a healthy horse and he’s ready for the race. He’ll be dropped in behind on Sunday so he can relax and come from the back – it’s only a small field.”

BEAUTY GENERATION

The Hong Kong Mile winner galloped on the dirt track, with race jockey Zac Purton onboard.  It was an easy gallop to finish off the week, working with the recently retired Harbour Master.

He’s drawn gate one, an ideal one for him as he can take up his customary position on the speed or in the lead without expending to much effort. He’s another coming off a tough run, but his effort was good.

 

BEAUTY ONLY

A winning return to form at his last start was a great result for Beauty Only and his connections (not to mention those of us who were on at 40/1). He really had the race run to suit him on that occasion, however he is not likely to see that scenario repeat on Sunday, with the pace likely to be moderate.

He was another of Tony Cruz’s team to complete their preparation with an easy gallop on the dirt this morning.

AL AIN

The performance of Al Ain was one of the strangest things I’ve seen on a track. He flat refused to co-operate with his handlers for over 45 minutes, before finally acceding to breeze twice down the Sha Tin straight the wrong way.

He was originally set to gallop on the turf, but leaving the home straight became fractious and tried to dislodge his ride. Despite surging he refused to gallop, finally unseating his rider in the back straight. Fortunately for all concerned the rider was able to maintain control of him despite being thrown. After what seemed like an eternity he was coaxed onto the dirt track, where he continued to buck and pig root. He finally completed a lap of the track, the reverse way of going.

After returning to the turf he completed the two gallops up the straight, the reverse way. Trainer Yasutoshi Ikee said: “The horse was tense in the trotting ring today, so I was concerned about how he would breeze. I never expected this at all. Thanks to the HKJC, we renegotiated and Al Ain galloped the opposite direction in the stretch. We couldn’t drive him strongly in the first part because of the short distance. The organisers were very kind and we had a lot of time with him on track, so he was driven stronger in the second gallop at the end of the straight course.  In the end I was relieved. Sometimes he’s difficult at home. He’s still green mentally but he’s in good form physically so hopefully he won’t behave badly in the race.”

I’ll catch up tomorrow with a few more who galloped this morning.

 

 

Sha Tin Track Work 25.04.2018

FINE NEEDLE

After a nasty fall yesterday, Tommy Berry was back at work this morning, galloping out his Chairmans Sprint mount on the Sha Tin turf. The horse looks in good order ahead of Sunday, and will need to be at his best to meet the challenge of the local team. A good gate at tomorrows barrier draw will be helpful, as he is a horse who settles just ahead of midfield.

He clocked 51.9s (29.2, 22.7) for his 800m hit out. Jockey Tommy Berry said: “He switched into gear quickly when I asked him, he felt really good and was concentrating on what he was doing. He moved nicely and was breathing well; he feels like he’s really fit and is in perfect form.  I am very much looking forward to Sunday.”

Trainer Yoshitada Takahashi said: “He had his final gallop today.  I advised Tommy Berry to drive him sharply over the last 400m without losing the horse’s rhythm, and Tommy confirmed the horse felt good.  My horse has been very settled since he arrived and he looks good, everything has gone as planned so far.  Usually he wears ear muffs in training and races, but today I asked the staff to leave them off to make him a bit sharper mentally – he won’t wear them on Sunday either. The turf track looks very well, and I heard the drainage is good, so there is no concern about the rain forecast.  I would like to draw from inside to the middle. He will stay in the trotting area tomorrow.”

AL AIN

Worked in the trotting ring and cantered around the all-weather track. Assistant trainer Shin Otose said: “Everything has gone well so far. He has been relaxed and has maintained his good form. He will gallop on the turf course tomorrow.”

This is an athletic horse, who looking at the images seems suited to the dirt, he floats across it. His gallop tomorrow will tell us a lot about where he is at.

DANBURITE

He also had an easy morning on the dirt course. Assistant trainer Shinichiro Kobayashi said: “He is still relaxed and is a happy horse.  He was not stiff after the gallop on Monday. Tommy Berry will work him on turf to get a feel of him tomorrow.”

BUE POINT

Another sprinter who will need to be on his mark to have a chance against the local bridge. He’s had a quiet time since he’s been here. Sophie Chretien, assistant to trainer Charlie Appleby, said: “Today he cantered a circuit on the dirt. It was just an easy canter. Then he schooled in the paddock. Tomorrow we’re planning to show him the grass for the first time to get him used to it, he’ll gallop over a couple of furlongs to stretch his legs. We’re very happy with him.”

I look forward to his gallop on the turf tomorrow to get a handle on him.

 

Thanks to the HKJC team for the work quotes.

 

 

Sha Tin Track Work 24.04.2018

BLUE POINT

After being scratched at the barrier in the Alquoz Sprint, where he was strongly supported, Blue Point found an obvious target in the Chairmans Sprint as he chases his maiden G1 win. The son of Shamardal was placed at the highest level as a two year old (Middle Park Stakes (1200m) and the Dewhurst Stakes (1400m)) and has wins at G2 and G3 level. The winner of 5 races in a career spanning 11 starts, he was limited to only four starts in his three year old season. He finished a strong second at his only start this year, behind Ertijaal in the Meydan Sprint (1000m).

This morning he made a brief appearance on the dirt track, cantering a lap to stretch his legs. Sophie Chretien, assistant to trainer Charlie Appleby, said: “He arrived over on Sunday lunch time, he travelled great with a stable companion, Bravo Zolo. So far so good, really; he enjoyed his flight, there wasn’t one bead of sweat on him, it was perfect, the best you could imagine. We’ve been really happy with his preparation. He just had a leg stretch today, he did one lap of the dirt track doing a nice strong hack. Yesterday he only had a jog just to get used to the new place.

“He’s been great since Dubai, it was just a bad day for him, something you don’t expect, but we had to deal with it. We’ve kept his training normal and he’s actually been very happy since. Nothing is against him so far. He’s a very classy horse, he deserves a Group 1 and I hope he gets it on Sunday. Charlie will be over here later in the week.”

 

PINGWU SPARK

Stepping up the G1 level for the first time in the  Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) back in March, Pingwu Spark finished mid-field. However he had a poor trip, being posted wide for most of the journey, so he could be forgiven for not finishing more prominently. His early season form was sparkling, winning 5 of his first 6 starts as he progressed through the classes. His latest run was in the Chairman’s Trophy (G2 1600m), where he finished third to Beauty Only.

 

AMAZING KIDS and WESTERN EXPRESS

Both the John Size runners went about in the first barrier trial this morning. After starting poorly, both were able to make ground through the field and finish well, without much being asked of them. Western Express was second and Amazing Kids was fifth for what it is worth.

Both were ridden by race day riders – Olivier Doleuze on Amazing Kids and Sam Clipperton on Western Express. Clipperton said of Western Express “He’s not out of it, certainly not on his last run, and he’s with the right man in John Size.”

The trial was marred by a nasty fall, with Tommy Berry falling from Agree after his mount faltered and collapsed. Fortunately, Berry escaped serious injury and has been passed fit to ride tomorrow night at Happy Valley.

TIME WARP

(c) 2017 Grant Courtney

Team Cruz took to the small all-weather track for one lap. Time Warp was in company with stablemates and fellow Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup runners Pakistan Star and Gold Mount. Trainer Tony Cruz said: “He’s been very well since that last race, he pulled up fine and I’m very happy with him – he’s spot on for this race.”

 

 

 

Sha Tin Track Work 23.04.2018

(c) 2017 Grant Courtney

It’s Hong Kong Champions Day on Sunday and I’m really looking forward to seeing the three Group 1 races on the same day this year. International numbers are a little light on again, with four runners spread across the three races (the Champions Mile is an all local affair).

The three runners from Japan all appeared on the turf track this morning – Al Ain (Deep Impact-Dubai Majesty) runs in the QEII, Danburite (Rulership-Tanzanite) also in the QEII and Fine Needle (Admire Moon-Needle Craft) is in the Chairmans Sprint.

DANBURITE

First of the overseas runners on the track was Danburite. The son of 2002 APQEII winner Rulership has won 3 races from 12 career starts and was G1 placed in Satsuki Sho at Nakayama last April. After an allowance race win at Hanshin in December he went on to win in the G2 American Jockey Club Cup (2200m). His latest outing was in the Osaka Hai (2000m), where he finished 6th.

 

Danburite has raced fellow Japanese APQEII runner Al Ain on five occasions, with not a lot separating them on most occasions. Their most recent meeting was in the Osaka Hai, which saw Danburite finish 6th, not far behind Al Ain who was 3rd.

This morning he quickened from the 1200m and clicked up the last 400m, stopping the clock at 1m 17.1s (27.3, 26.4, 23.4). Work rider Shinichiro Kobayashi said: “He has been eating up well after the long trip to Hong Kong. There were no problems with the journey and all has gone well so far. Today was his first time working on the turf course since he arrived. He shied a little but he’s getting relaxed and moved nicely. He’ll work in the trotting ring tomorrow.”

(c) 2017 Grant Courtney

AL AIN

Al Ain is a winner of 4 races from 10 career starts, in fact he won 4 from his first 5. His biggest win came in the G1 Satsuki Sho (first leg of the Japanese Triple Crown), which is run over the 2000m trip of the APQEII. He didn’t place in the final two legs of the Triple Crown. He’s been placed at both starts this season – finishing 2nd in the G2 Kyoto Kinen (2200m) and 3rd in the G1 Osaka Hai (2000m).

This morning he completed an 800m turf gallop in 57.2s (30.6, 26.6).


Work rider Shin Otose said: “Thank you to everyone who has been supporting us. The trip has gone well. He’s settled in well and is relaxing in the new surroundings.”

(c) 2017 Grant Courtney

FINE NEEDLE

Godolphin Japans Fine Needle has started 2018 in fine form, he is unbeaten this year. His first run was in the G3 Silk Stakes (1200m), and he tasted G1 success subsequently in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m) in a narrow photo from Let’s Go Donki. He is a winner of 8 races in a career that thus far has spanned 25 starts. His first Stakes success came last September in the Centaur Stakes (1200m), so it is fair to say he has improved as he has got older.

He is the first G1 winner for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum’s Japanese team, so a milestone horse for that operation. Finishing 5th in Takamatsunomiya Kinen was Hong Kong’s Blizzard, so we can get a fair line on his performance from that.

He was given an easy gallop this morning, completing his final 400m in 28.3s. Work rider Yoshinori Unoki said: “I drove him quite strongly towards the end of the gallop to familiarise him with the turf surface. He is in good condition and has been the same as how he is at home. He will work in the trotting ring tomorrow morning and then blow out on Wednesday.”

(c) 2017 Grant Courtney

Thanks to the HKJC team for work quotes and times. You folks rock!

Hong Kong Sprint 10.12.2017

The home team are always formidable in the Sprint and this edition looked to be no exception. Chairmans Sprint Prize winner Luck Bubbles was coming in off a luckless run in the Jockey Club Sprint. Winner of that race, Mr Stunning, looked to be the best of the locals and went out a short priced elect. His trainer John Size had four starters, with the enigmatic Thewizardofoz, his number two seed.

After jumping from gate four, Mr Stunning was given a positive ride by Nash Rawiller, sitting in behind the speed set by Once In A Moon and Peniaphobia. Rawiller let him cruise to the front half way up the straight, however a serious challenger emerged from the chasing pack. Fellow John Size trained runner D B Pin and Olivier Doleuze (20/1) laid down the gauntlet to Mr Stunning. However as hard as they pressed, they were unable to find a way past Rawiller and his mount.

“He’s very professional and he’s proven himself on top of the Hong Kong sprinters, that’s for sure,” Rawiller said.

“I had no intention of going near the rail at any stage,” Rawiller said. “It can change pretty quickly in a race like that, you only need them to steady a little bit and next minute, you’re in the worst spot in the race. Although it looks pretty going down the hill, it can end up being the biggest trap of all time.

“So I sat one-off, I was in a beautiful position with a bit of cover. The horse was in a lovely rhythm. They were talking about the racing gods the other day – well, this was in the hands of the racing gods, definitely.”

“He’s had a lovely lead-up into the race,” Size said. “His three runs were very good. He’s trained well and trialled well all the way through to today. He’s had every opportunity, he drew a good gate, he had a perfect run and Nash put him in a beautiful position so it was hard to see him being beaten from there.

“To D B Pin’s credit, though, he’s probably covered a lot of extra ground from the gate and he’s made him work for it. Both horses have run very well.”

On the runner-up “I am sad but happy. I was very confident,” Doleuze said. “Last time I could not really test him but today he has run against an impressive horse and run a great race. He gave me everything.”

Size said that Mr Stunning would likely be confined to a domestic programme, with races like the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) in January and G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) in April likely to be on his agenda.

“I’m not sure he’s got the constitution to travel, I’m not sure if he’s that tough,” Size said. “At home though, if he’s looked after in Hong Kong, he’ll keep racing well.”