Pao Ma Photography

Sha Tin Track Work 5.12.2019

December 5, 2019

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

Sha Tin Track Work 4.12.2019

December 4, 2019

There was plenty of action at Sha Tin this morning, with a number of visitors taking to the turf for a gallop.

Indy Champ

The champion Japanese Miler has made a good impression this week. He’s looked nice and relaxed and appears to have taken to the new environment well, each morning he has completed what has been asked of him without any fuss. With two big G1 wins this season (Yasuda Kinen and Mile Championship), he brings some great form to this and will be a good match for the local champion, Beauty Generation.

Today he warmed up in the quarantine trotting ring before breezing six furlongs, during which he shifted his running-line a couple of times and seemed to be looking around. He clocked 1m 24.5s (34.0, 27.9, 22.6). Assistant trainer Kenichi Shono said: “He was a bit distracted by the grandstand this morning but once we got him focused, he moved well. He is in good condition.”

Danon Smash

The son of two time Hong Kong Sprint champion Lord Kanaloa, is another who has looked to enjoy the change of surroundings this week. While his form does not appear to be up to that of the local brigade, he does appear to have some upside. He’ll be finishing hard on Sunday, a win would surprise, but a placing is not out of the question.

After warming up up in the quarantine trotting track before breezing, he clocked 1m 22.2s (31.9, 27.9, 22.4) for the final 1200m. Exercise rider Keiichiro Yasuda said “He has relaxed a lot. He wasn’t as tense as before, so he was able to do a good breeze today. He is in good condition.”

Win Bright

Win Bright is back, after running a career peak to win at course and distance in G1 FWD QEII Cup last April, when he displayed a strong turn-of-foot. That completed three wins in a row, including a second consecutive win in the G2 Nakayama Kinen (1800m) in February. He’s been below his best two starts since returning to action this autumn; only eighth to Almond Eye in hot edition of G1 Tenno Sho Autumn (2000m) latest. He relishes a fast track and is a closer with a strong kick.

Deidre

Sha Tin Track Work – 4/12/19 Deirdre (迪雅卓), representing Japan, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Vase during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.

This top-class globe-trotting mare completed an autumn 3yo hat-trick to win the 2017 G1 Shuka Sho (2000m). She then defeated Lys Gracieux in the G2 Fuchu Himba (1800m) last year as a lead-up to a fine 2nd to Glorious Forever in G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m). Deidre has raced in Dubai, Hong Kong and Europe this year for a win in the G1 Nassau Stakes (1979m) as well as an unlucky 4th in G1 Irish Champion Stakes (2000m) and 3rd at her latest start in G1 Champion Stakes (2000m).

After warming up in the trotting ring, she galloped on the turf under jockey Oisin Murphy, clocking 1m 24.9s (33.7, 28.7, 22.5) for the final 1200m. Murphy said: “She is really fit and ready for the race. She understands what she has to do over the week. She is in very good form and I hope she will keep the good condition to the end of the week.”

Lucky Lilac

This filly is another who has taken well to Sha Tin, having done everything asked of her without fuss during the week. She is coming here off a win in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup, and is in the form of her life.

After her work on the turf, clocking 1m 18.5s (31.5, 25.5, 21.5) for the final 1200m, Assistant trainer Eishu Maruuchi said: “We’ve been making slight adjustments to her training both here and in Japan to make sure we can get the best out of her here. She seems to be responding very well. The track has a nice bounce to it and it seems really easy to run on.”

Anthony Van Dyke

Sha Tin Track Work – 4/12/19 Aethero (忠心勇士), representing Hong Kong, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Sprint during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.

It’s not often we get to see a winner of The Derby in this part of the world, particularly the reigning champion. So having Anthony Van Dyke here is a pleasant surprise. He comes here off a third to the mighty Bricks and Mortar in the Breeders Cup Turf, which is pretty solid form.

He was not far off Europe’s best as a 2yo and progressed nicely to his win the G1 Derby (2405m) at Epsom in June. He’s not won in four runs since, but has shown top-class form against his elders in his last two starts. Prior to the Breeders Cup he was a sound third behind stablemate Magical in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes (2000m) in September.

A big run would not surprise and he should go around at a back-able price.

Sha Tin Track Work 3.12.2019

December 3, 2019

Normcore

One of three horses to take to the turf this morning, Normcore, put in a strange piece of work. She was fine first time up the straight, but as she passed by the second time she was fighting the rider and throwing her head about.

She comes to Hong Kong off a win in the G1 in theVictoria 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.

Trainer Kiyoshi Hagiwara said: “She worked on the turf track for the first time since she got here. She was fresh and keen. No concern about her condition at the moment. The turf seems to suit her and she will gallop tomorrow.”

Edisa

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.

Today she cantered a lap of the Sha Tin dirt track under work rider Louise Grouselle. Travelling head lad Antoine Creton said: “She just had a little canter this morning to open the lungs, nothing too serious. For the moment everything has gone well.”

Aethero

Aethero has a massive boom on him, one well earned with some impressive performances this season and last. Two starts ago he broke Sacred Kingdom’s 1000m track record and last start beat the best sprinters Hong Kong has to offer to win the Jockey Club Sprint.

He is still a lean 3yo, with plenty of maturing left to do. He was spooked a little today when galloping past the Longines timer situated on the outside of the dirt track.

Trainer John Moore said: “He hacked around and did it beautifully, I’m very happy with him. Mine will just keep hacking around the big track each morning until Thursday when they’ll do their fast work.” Looking forward to Thursday!!

In Her Time

Dual G1 winner In Her Time made her first appearance on the dirt track this morning. She exercised lightly, having arrived in Hong Kong on Sunday night. She’s competed at G1 level on twelve occasions for six placings and the two wins, the most recent win being this years Lightning Stakes down the Flemington straight. Her last run was a third to Nature Strip in the G1 VRC Spint Classic.

She completed fast work back home in Newcastle last Friday, so will only tick over this week. While her run in the Everest was below par, her last run was encouraging, but she will need to be at her best to match it with the local team in this.

Called To The Bar

Called To The Bar raced only four times in his 3yo season but nabbed a G3 at Chantilly and in the last start that season was 2nd on firm ground in the G1 Belmont Derby Invitational (2000m). He matured into fine stayer as 4yo climaxing with 2nd in G1 Prix Royal-Oak (3000m). His three wins from five this term include G2 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier (3000m) and latterly the G3 Prix Gladiateur (3100m). He’s tactically versatile and has led. Most of his form is on good ground or softer.

Following the adirt track work on Monday, trainer Pia Brandt switched to the turf on today for a one lap breeze and clocked 1m 21.7s (28.6, 27.8, 25.3) for the final 1200m. For the second day in a row it was the trainer herself – an accomplished jockey in her native Sweden – who rode Called To The Bar. Brandt said: “The trip over went fine and he was very relaxed in his canter on the turf today, so I hope he wakes up by Sunday! He worked well at Chantilly before we left and he is ready. I don’t think he’ll go back on the turf later in the week but we’ll see.”

Zaaki

Zaaki had smart form in four runs as 2yo before switching to the Sir Michael Stoute stable. He had one win and four placings from six starts as 3yo including third placings in a pair of 10-furlong G3 contests. He’s been better than ever this term when dropped to distances around a mile. He started with two wins at Listed and G3 level and was 2nd to Beat The Bank in the G2 Summer Mile before winning G3 Strensall Stakes (1800m) in August. But he was no match for G1 winner Benbatl when a well-beaten 3rd in G2 Joel Stakes (1600m). A back marker, he has no worries on firm ground.

Today he cantered around the dirt track – bunny hopping at one point -partnered by work rider Fabien Guilois. Travelling head groom Sarah Denniff said: “He’s travelled well and seems happy. He might go on the turf tomorrow.”

Thanks to the HKJC notes team for quotes from connections.

Sha Tin Track Work 2.12.2019

December 2, 2019

We were greeted with some cool weather to start HKIR week, however with some good horses to photograph any thoughts of being cold were soon cast aside. Most of the visiting horses completed some fairly leisurely work this morning. They’ll have some sterner exercise later in the week, as they settle in. Prince of Arran was the only horse to get beyond a canter as he galloped on the turf.

Prince Of Arran

This is Prince Of Arran’s second visit to Hong Kong, having finished mid pack in last years Vase, after going back from a wide draw. He brings good form here, having won the Geelong Cup two starts back and was a close runner-up in the Melbourne Cup last month (after crossing the line in third place he was promoted by the stewards).

He tactically was adaptable in his races in Melbourne, being able to settle on the speed if necessary. He’ll be looking for some luck from the barrier gods this time as there does not appear to be a lot of speed in this race.

He galloped 1200m in 1m 19.0s (27.8, 28.2, 23.0) under work rider Natasha Eaton, who has accompanied the gelding on his frequent overseas ventures. Eaton said: “This is his third year of travelling and he loves it. He barely lost any weight on the journey from Melbourne and seems to be getting stronger all the time. He’ll work again later in the week and I’m convinced that he will finish closer than last year when he finished eighth but nothing went right for him then.”

True Self

Another horse who brings good from from Melbourne is True Self. She was second to Prince Of Arran in the Geelong Cup and won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on the final day of the Flemington Carnival for trainer Willie Mullins. Like many of his horses she has spent some time over the fences and is a winner as a hurdler.

Today she was on the dirt course. David Casey, exercise rider and assistant to trainer Willie Mullins said: “We just had a steady hack for a circuit, then cantered a circuit, just speeding up for a couple of furlongs. I’ve been with her since she was in Australia and we’ve been over here a week now. She went very well down there – she ran a very good second in the Geelong Cup and then won the Queen Elizabeth. I’d say this will be another step up on Sunday but she seems well and doesn’t seem to mind the travelling too much. She might do a quicker bit on Tuesday, but we’ll just see how she is.”

Danon Smash

Danon Smash is one of two overseas visitors taking on the home contingent in the Sprint. He’s a multiple G3 winner and has been thereabouts in Japan’s G1 sprints this season including a third in the Sprinters Stakes. On that bare form he’d need to lift to be a winning chance, but still appears to have some upside, so a good showing would not surprise. His sire, Lord Kanaloa, was a two time winner of the Sprint.

Today he warmed up in the quarantine trotting ring before cantering one lap around the all-weather track. Exercise rider Keiichiro Yasuda said: “Today we worked on getting him to relax in his new environment. We will have to see if he likes Hong Kong as much as his father, Lord Kanaloa, did but he is getting more relaxed day by day and seems to be doing well.”

Indy Champ

He is Japan’s standout miler this year, winning the G1 Yasuda Kinen (defeating Almond Eye) and G1 Mile Championship, just as Maurice did before winning this race in 2015. With Beauty Generation now looking vulnerable, he is a solid chance of taking the Mile on Sunday.

A good pace and a firm track will be to his liking. Today he warmed up in the quarantine trotting ring before jogging one lap around the dirt track this morning. Exercise rider Kenichi Shono said: “We gave him a bit of work yesterday, doing two furlongs in 15 seconds each. He moved well again this morning during his jog, he is relaxed and eating well.”

Lucky Lilac

This filly won her first four career starts but was no match for Almond Eye when placed in first two fillies’ classics in 2018; but hit new peak with a last start win in G1 QEII Cup at Kyoto, the race Snow Fairy won before she went on to win the Cup in 2010.

She also warmed up in the quarantine trotting ring before cantering one lap around the all-weather track. Exercise rider Eishu Maruuchi said: “Once she got used to the all-weather course, she relaxed into what she was doing. She has settled into her environment quite well.”

As always thanks to the HKJC team for quotes from connections

FWD QEII Cup

April 29, 2019

Time Warp and his brother Glorious Forever have some sort of sibling rivalry going on. They are both Hong Kong Cup winners, both achieving it with an all the way win. However when racing together the rivalry can be to their own detriment as they fight for the lead. On this occasion it lead to the QEII being run at a frantic pace throughout. They set up a course record time, with the 1.59.00 mark being broken for the first time at Sha Tin, the winning time being 1.58.81.

Win Bright and Masami Matsuoka near the tail of the field first time past the post.

Of the three Japanese runners in the race, Win Bright was by far the least fancied, going about at 47/1. However no one told jockey Masami Matsuoka that, he weaved his way through the pack from the rear of the field in the straight to cross the line a clear winner, giving the crowd one of the best salutes Sha Tin has seen.

Matsuoka who had not had a G1 winner in 10 years was overjoyed. “This is the very best day!” he said. “He didn’t have good gate speed this time but we found a good spot and the horse travelled nicely and that helped him run very well to the finish.”

Win Bright had come into the race on the back of successive wins at G2 and G3 level, defeating a number of G1 winners in the Nakayama Kinen in February.

Trainer Yoshihiro Hatakeyama “He had won at Group 2 and Group 3 level but had always been beaten in Group 1 races, but his winning form from his two starts this season made me think that he was developing and improving,” he said.“I was quite sure that he would be competitive at the top level. I couldn’t be confident that he would win, of course, but I did think he would be very competitive.”

His form dipped last season and a planned trip to HKIR was abandoned for last December. The break has done wonders for Win Bright, who is now unbeaten in 2019. It’s great to see connections rewarded for patience and putting the interests of the horse foremost. Plans are afoot for him to return for HKIR 2019 “I hope he will gain more power and develop and we would love to come back in December for the Hong Kong Cup.” said Hatakeyama.

28/4/19 Hong Kong Champions Day Sha Tin FWD QEII Cup winner Win Bright trained by Yoshihiro Hatakeyama, jockey Masami Matsuoka

Hong Kong Vase winner Exultant ran on from back in the field for second. “It wasn’t a perfect race and Zac (Purton) said if he’d had an inside draw it might have been a different story, but he’s run a very good race. I knew the Japanese were the ones to beat, they love coming here,” trainer Tony Cruz said.

Lys Gracieux finished alongside Exultant in the Vase and did the same here, with Oisin Murphy aboard this time. “I’m thrilled with her, I was very happy during the race and I thought I had a good run off the back of Dark Dream, when I switched out in the straight I thought she might be good enough to win,” he said. “Fair play to the other Japanese horse, Matsuoka saved ground the whole way and the horse was too good on the day. Hopefully one day she’ll get an elusive win here, but what a tough and consistent mare!”

Thanks to the HKJC team for quotes from connections.

Champions Mile 28.04.2019

April 29, 2019

This race was set as a celebration of a magnificent season by Beauty Generation, the highest rated horse in the world currently active in training. It panned out exactly as planned as Beauty Generation sauntered to what was the easiest of wins. Zac Purton had time to check out the action on the big screen 200m from home.

28/4/19 Hong Kong Champions Day Sha Tin FWD Champions Mile winner Beauty Generation trained by John Moore, jockey Zac Purton

The pursuing pack were never a threat, with Singapore Sling second and Simply Brilliant running third.

That was the ninth win in succession for Beauty Generation and his eighth this season, exceeding the record of seven shared by Entrapment and Ambitious Dragon. He eclipsed Viva Pataca’s Hong Kong prize money earnings record, with today’s cheque taking his tally to HK$84,770,000 – about HK$1.5 million above the tally garnered by Viva Pataca. Beauty Generation last year became just the fourth horse to complete the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile and Champions Mile double in the same season – and those to precede him were widely acclaimed as champion performers of their time – Maurice (2015/16), Able Friend (2014/15) and Good Ba Ba (2007/08). He is now the only horse to achieve that twice.

“It’s what we expected him to do today,” said Purton, “he was a little bit fitter. When he’s out in front like that mid race and there’s nothing around pushing him, he just floats a little bit so my job was to try to keep him rolling and let him do the rest.

“I’d like to think so,” Purton said when asked whether the horse would have more in reserve for a next run, “John wanted me to give him a bit of a push today but….”

Trainer John Moore on his star “Definitely, it’s an amazing achievement,” he said of today’s win, “for the stable and all the staff to be able to keep him up and sustain his fitness level to be able to win these races in such a facile fashion. And thanks to Hong Kong that we’ve had a champion in our midst and we’ve still got a champion miler and the whole world knows we’ve got one hell of a miler over here.

The racing world is abuzz with the possibility of Beauty Generation going to Japan to take on Danon Premium and Almond Eye in the Yasuda Kinen, something that Moore would not shy away from

“I’d like to go to Japan but of course it is the owner’s call. Patrick (Kwok) and his father (Simon) will make the decision in time. As I said it was a facile win today and I don’t think it took much out of him in the sense of it being such a long season and I still think there’s a lot left in the tank. Let’s go back to the drawing board and have a talk over dinner.”

“The owners would like to see him break Silent Witness’ record of 17 straights win. More pressure on me. I take two heart tablets a day. To have him in the yard is any trainer’s dream but if we go to Japan to take on the Japanese armada that will be the real telling factor in his career,” he added.

I’m a fan of good racing and the best racing against the best. To see him go to Japan would be the ultimate. While I understand to a point why you wouldn’t go, if he were mine he’d be there in a heartbeat. to see him seal greatness away from Shat Tin would be truly something.

You can see Beauty Generation here.

Thanks to the HKJC for quotes from connections

Chairmans Sprint Prize 28.04.2019

April 29, 2019

The first of the G1 races on the day always appeared to lack pace, and as the race evolved that scenario became evident quickly. I wouldn’t have thought that too many speed maps had Rattan as a leader, but Chad Schofield evaluated the situation pretty quickly and had his galloper at the front off only a steady tempo.

With Rattan and Little Giant beginning well, Joao Moreira was able to settle Beat The Clock into the perfect trail in the nine runner field. The steady pace didn’t suit race favourite Santa Ana Lane who was parked well off the speed by Hugh Bowman. As they turned for home, Bowman peeled his mount wide, but both Rattan and Beat The Clock had plenty to give. The favourite would have had to run impossible sectionals to reel in the front runners. He ran the quickest last 800m/400m of the race , but to no avail.

28/4/19 Hong Kong Champions Day Sha Tin. Chairmans Sprint Prize winner Beat The Clock trained by John Size, jockey Joao Moreira

Beat The Clock has finished in the first three at all of his twenty one starts and yesterday was his second success at G1 level. Trainer John Size on his star “He is a joy to take to the races, that’s for sure, because he’s so consistent and such a willing participant. He’s come strong at five years of age and it should be his best season and he’s done that, he’s delivered with his two Group Ones.” That is likely the season done for Beat The Clock “That’ll be enough for him. He’s done a good job and I don’t think he’ll have another run. The warm weather will come now and I think he’s better off not working at that time,” Size said.

Of the beaten favourite trainer Anthony Freedman said “He was probably off his game a little bit today so we’ll get home and regroup. They didn’t go a really good gallop, which didn’t suit us – he was a little disappointing.”

Jockey Hugh Bowman added “Well I don’t think we saw the best of him but take nothing away from the winner, he was too good today.”

Second placed Ratten’s jockey Chad Schofield said: “We were in front which was a first for him but he travelled sweetly and controlled the race. He showed an extremely good turn-of-foot but a better horse won on the day.”

You can watch the race here.

Thanks to the Hong Kong Jockey Club team for quotes.

FWD Champions Day Stabs

April 27, 2019

The three big races are upon us and after observing some of the horses through the week, it’s time to find a winner. Two of the races are a bit tricky, but of course the Mile does look a procession, so we’ll start there.

FWD Champions Mile

With Hong Kong having such a dominant horse in Beauty Generation, this field has come up a fairly plain affair. It’s not anyones fault that no one wants to take him on, but it is a little disappointing that the field is small and light on for chances. However it is another opportunity to celebrate a Champion horse and that’s what this race is all about. I’m looking forward to seeing him accelerate away at the top of the straight.

There is some interest in picking the minor placings and I will be looking to Conte and Seasons Bloom to do that. Conte was, on the face of it a little disappointing last start, but I’d expect him to bounce back here. Seasons Bloom has had an ordinary season to date, but did catch the eye when he was rattling home in the Chairmans Trophy last start. However I’d say this was a good race to sit back and enjoy a champion.

Numbers: 1/2/3

Chairmans Sprint Prize

Four international visitors are here to take on what is a strong home team in the Sprint. The home team did take a hit this morning with the scratching of dual Hong Kong Sprint winner, Mr Stunning, who has had some foot issues during the latter part of the week.

Australia’s Santa Ana Lane is the top rated of the visitors and comes here off a strong win in the T J Smith Stakes (G1) three weeks ago. If he brings that form here, he’s a massive chance. The other Australian is Viddora, who comes here off a fairly good run in the Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai. She finished 4th there, although was well beaten by the three place getters. Nac Venus from Japan is the lowest rated of the raiders and has not tasted success at G1 level as yet. Her last run in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen was disappointing, prior to that she boasted two runner up efforts this season. Enzo’s Lad is a dual winner of the G1 Telegraph Handicap over 1200m, winning both times at long odds.

Santa Ana Lane winning the G1 VRC Sprint at Flemington last November.

This race is tricky from a pace point of view as there is no obvious leader here. Nac Venus is usually prominent and did lead all the way to score at G3 level in Sapporo last August. Little Giant has lead previously, but more by default than design and connections would prefer to sit behind the pace. The New Zealander Enzo’s Lad can also race handily, but is not expected to lead. Santa Ana Lane comes from the back and would appreciate a good pace.

Given the pace scenario it could be tricky for Santa Ana Lane, unless Nac Venus goes quickly. It’s likely to be an average pace. Beat The Clock will likely be fairly handy in the run and has a good sprint when Moreira lets him go. He’ll be hard to run down if he’s had an easy time of it. Rattan surprised last time, upsetting Mr Stunning and Beat The Clock in the Sprint Cup three weeks ago by coming from off the pace and over the top of his more fancied rivals. He has to meet his rivals at level weights here, but that win indicated he should be taken seriously at 1200m.

I’m going to put Santa Ana Lane on top, but he is under the odds at his current quote (even money). Beat The Clock is the one to beat, after that it’s difficult, but I’m looking to Rattan and Little Giant.

Numbers: 1/3/4/5

FWD QEII Cup.

Three visitors from Japan and a horse representing Great Britain, but is owned and trained by New Zealanders and to top it off Kiwi hoop James McDonald flies in to ride Eminent. Two of the Japanese have been here before, Deirdre ran 2nd to Glorious Forever in the Hong Kong Cup in December and Lys Gacieux was also second in the Vase (to Exultant). Win Bright comes here in good form, with back to back wins at G3 and G2 level at Nakayama.

Deirdre
Lys Gracieux
Win Bright

From a local point of view Exultant comes here in great form, winning his last three, two of which were at G1 level. Connections seem to have worked him out and he has matured into a strong staying type, albeit without a turn of foot.

The four year olds come out of their Derby preparation into open company, and it is always interesting to see how they fare. We haven’t seen Furore since his Derby win. Waikuku and Dark Dream competed in the same C1 race three weeks ago, which Dark Dream won and Waikuku looked a little ordinary.

BMW Hong Kong Derby
Waikuku

Glorious Forever, Time Warp and Pakistan Star are the proven International G1 winners representing the home team. The brothers Glorious Forever and Time Warp take sibling rivalry to a new level, with both wanting to lead races at all cost, mostly to their detriment when both are in the same race.

Glorious Forever
Pakistan Star
Time Warp

So we have Time Warp and Glorious Forever going forward, with Eminent likely to roll on as well. Waikuku drew wide in the Derby and dropped back, he faces a similar scenario here. I’m not sure that Moreira will want to burn him up, however if the opportunity presents Moreira will roll forward as Time Warp and Glorious Forever could present that opportunity. Bowman gave Furore a pearler in the Derby from a wide gate and will need all his skill to get a good position from gate eight here. The pace should be genuine. This should allow the Japanese fillies to finish off from back in the field as they did in December at HKIR.

Tipping a winner here is difficult, but I’ve been really taken with Lys Gracieux during the week and she comes here off an ideal prep run, where she ran second to Danon Premium in the Kinko Sho over 2000m. I think the 4yo Derby form will be solid and Furore can finish in the money. Pakistan Star is drawn to get a good run and was good at his first start for new trainer Paul O’Sullivan. His horses improve second up usually and I’m expecting him to run well here. Eagle Way was massive behind Beauty Generation at a Mile, and will be better suited here.

Numbers are: 12/5/8/6

If you want to play any other races on the card look out for:

Race 2 Number 1 Dan Control

He’ll be short but looks really promising

Race 5 Number 4 Pakistan Friend

Looked a bit flat first up, but I expect some improvement second up for new trainer Paul O’Sullivan

Sha Tin Track Work 26.04.2019

April 26, 2019

There are a couple of horses I captured yesterday at local track work that I’d like to feature briefly before moving onto todays horses.

Simply Brilliant

Simply Brilliant is the best performed Frankel horse in Hong Kong to date, with a G3 win over 1800m at Happy Valley his best win. To be fair he is running for place money in the Mile, but he has talent and a minor placing could be considered.

He worked on the all-weather track and clocked 59.3s (32.0, 27.3) through 800m, looking good doing it.

Waikuku

His lead up runs to the Derby were impressive and he was huge in the Derby itself. His subsequent run was a little indifferent and in some ways I’m surprised to see him here. However if his Derby run was any indication, he’s going to be a fine horse and hopefully he can show his best here.

He worked on the all-weather track and clocked 57.5s (33.3, 24.2) through 800m. Trainer John Size said: “He runs better when there’s a bit of speed on or a genuine pace. He’s not up to the international Group 1 runners but someone’s got to get the rest of the prize money so I hope we can get a share of that.”

Glorious Forever

He’s not been at his best since winning the Hong Kong Cup in December, with two unplaced runs since winning his maiden G1. He does seem to need things to go his way from a pace point of view at this level, and that is unlikely to happen often.

It’s difficult to see him winning here, but I said the same thing back in December!

Viddora

Unfortunately for connections she has been under an injury cloud all week and has missed a fast gallop. However she’s been out every morning and trainer Lloyd Kennewell is confident she will pass the veterinary examination on Saturday morning.

She’s a really nice filly to photograph as she is inquisitive and takes in all her surroundings in the mornings. So she poses nicely for the camera, ears pricked staring into the distance.

Today she cantered on the turf track under big-race jockey Joe Bowditch. Trainer Lloyd Kennewell said: “The big thing for me is each day we have leapt forward and made progress, if she didn’t make progress yesterday we were in big trouble, she made significant progress overnight with a lot of work gone into her with (Paddy Bell) who is travelling with her – a lot of icing, natural therapies we can use here and it’s worked, we’re lucky we have time on our side and I’m quietly confident we’ll pass the vet check.”

“She has to go there (UK) no matter what due to quarantine restrictions, she’ll head off on Wednesday to England and be set for the King’s Stand all depending on how she goes Sunday.”

Lys Gracieux

I’m really taken with this filly, she’s done everything right this week and looks the part. She’s travelled here before and performed well with a 2nd to Exultant in the vase back in December. She just peaked on her run that day and she may be more favoured with the drop back to 2000m. In a tough race, I’m leaning her way.

Today she jogged for a half lap and cantered easily for a lap over the all-weather track. Trainer Yoshito Yahagi said: “She had a nice, easy piece of work to stretch her legs this morning. She has settled in and there are no worries. The starting gate will be the key, so she schooled at the gate with the handler. Everything has gone as planned. I’m not concerned about the rain-affected track, but I will be grateful if there is no rain on Sunday. Her conformation looks well and she is in good form.”

Deirdre

Another filly on her second visit to Hong Kong and again this one appears to be well settled. She comes here off of a good run in the Dubai Turf, finishing 4th there behind Almond Eye and Vivlos. She is looking to go one better in the QEII Cup after a runner up finish in the Hong Kong Cup.

Nac Venus

It’s going to take a big effort for this mare to figure in the finish. While she appears to have done well since arriving, it’s a big step up in ratings for her to compete against this lot of horses.

She jogged for 200m and cantered for one and a half-length laps over the all-weather track. Work rider Hirokimi Tamogi said: “She galloped the day before yesterday and was walking in the machine yesterday, so she was very fresh this morning. She felt really good. She moved flexibly and sharply. She will stretch her legs on the all-weather tomorrow morning.”

Win Bright

He comes here in good form having won both starts this year. He’ll need to bring all that and more here to figure in the finish, but has looked well all week and does appear to be coming to his peak as a 5yo. Today he appeared fresh and willing to get on with the job.

Today he cantered easily for a lap on the all-weather track. Trainer Yoshihiro Hatakeyama said: “He was too fresh this morning, which proved he is in good form. He has done a similar routine to what he would have done at home, so all has gone smoothly. We got the luck of draw (gate one) but I have heard that too much rain might affect the rail and that is my only concern.”

Sha Tin Track Work 25.04.2019

April 25, 2019

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.”

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.

Tin Race Course Sha TinTrack Work Beauty Generation trained by John Moore 25/4/19 Champions Day, Hong Kong Hong Kong Sha Tin Track Work Sha Tin Race Course, Hong Kong Hong Kong Sha Tin Track Work Sha Tin Race Course Sha TinTrack Work Beauty Generation trained by John Moore with work rider Romain Clavreul 25/4/19 Champions Day, Hong Kong Hong Kong Sha Tin Track Work Sha Tin Race Course, Hong Kong Hong Kong Sha Tin Track Work Sha Tin Race Course

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.

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.

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.

Horse Racing, Photography, Travel