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.”
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.
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.
There was plenty of action at Sha Tin this morning, with a number of visitors taking to the turf for a gallop.
Indy Champ
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.
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
Sha Tin Track Work – 4/12/19
Danon Smash (野田重擊), representing Japan, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Sprint during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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
Sha Tin Track Work – 4/12/19
Win Bright (勝出光采), representing Japan, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Cup during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse..
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
Sha Tin Track Work – 4/12/19
Lucky Lilac (旺紫丁), representing Japan, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Vase during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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 – 3/12/19
Normcore (樸素無華), representing Japan, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Mile during track work at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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
Sha Tin Track Work – 3/12/19
Edisa (伊迪莎), representing France, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Cup during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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
Sha Tin Track Work – 3/12/19
Aethero (忠心勇士), representing Hong Kong, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Sprint during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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
Sha Tin Track Work – 3/12/19
In Her Time (芳華正茂), representing Australia, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Sprint during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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
Sha Tin Track Work – 3/12/19
Called To The Bar (及格大狀), representing France, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Vase during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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
Sha Tin Track Work – 3/12/19
Zaaki (品德高尚), representing Great Britain, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Mile during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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.
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
Sha Tin Track Work – 2/12/19
Prince of Arran (亞朗親王), representing Great Britain, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Vase during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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
Sha Tin Track Work – 2/12/19
True Self (真我本色), representing Ireland, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Vase during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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
Sha Tin Track Work – 2/12/19
Danon Smash (野田重擊), representing Japan, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Sprint during track work at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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
Sha Tin Track Work – 2/12/19
Indy Champ (冠軍車手), representing Japan, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Mile during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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
Sha Tin Track Work – 2/12/19
Lucky Lilac (旺紫丁), representing Japan, prepares for the Longines Hong Kong Vase during trackwork at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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
Defending champion Time Warp came into he race on the back of a plain effort in the Jockey Club Cup, where he tailed off to finish last. Renown as a horse who needs to get his own way in front, Time Warp was taken on in that race by his full brother Glorious Forever, who spent last season coming coming through the grades with the same race style as his older sibling. They went at each other hammer and tong three weeks ago, and it didn’t pan out well for either of them as they set the race up for the closers.
So tactics were going to play a big part here, would either relent and let the other take a lead? The talk was that the Frankie Lor trained Glorious Forever might let big brother go this time, however with him drawing barrier one and Time Warp out wide the scenario set up well for Glorious Forever. The first 150 metres to the first turn were going to be very interesting and so it proved.
Silvestre de Sousa pushed on from gate one, with Zac Purton on Time Warp looming to his outside. Purton decided to ease as they approached the turn, and from there it was more or less a procession. They clocked a pedestrian 50.56 for the first 800m, and high class animals like these take some passing when they have it that easy on the front.
Try as he might Time Warp could not pass his younger brother in the straight, at one stage he got to within a half length, but Glorious Forever was able to kick clear again late. The main challenge came from he Japanese mare Deirdre, who was really the only one to make ground in the run home.
On tactics, trainer Lor said “I talked to Silvestre yesterday and said ‘if he jumped good try to take the lead and if Time Warp pushed too hard then he could take the sit behind him’. We drew one and Time Warp seven so that made a difference”.
“Everything was in my favour,” de Sousa said, “the draw was perfect for riding a horse who could be one or two in the run. Everything went to the plan.
“I didn’t want to overdo it in front but to make sure Time Warp didn’t come around, I had to make sure we were going a true gallop. I won the battle for the first 300 metres and I was going so well at the 800 (metres), I thought to myself they would have to be very good to pick him up; it would have to be one of the Europeans because I didn’t think Time Warp would come again.”
Christophe Lemaire said of second place Deirdre “She ran very good. It was a good pace and she was very relaxed all the way around. She picked up very well and has a long acceleration, giving all at the finish. Well done to the winner as he made the running and never gave up. The best horse won today.”
It was a remarkable day for Lor, winning two of the big four races in his second season “This is special. Yes today is amazing for me, I can’t believe it. For me, it’s my dream to get more good horses and win the big races and to win these two races today is amazing,” Lor said.
Thanks to the HKJC team for quotes from connections.
On race day eve, I’ll take a stab at finding the winner. A couple of these races are quite challenging, so finding the winner is no easy task. If you’re having a bet tomorrow – all the best of racing luck.
Vase
This is a good edition of the Vase, it brings in many form lines, and is a tough race to pick the winner. European-trained runners have won twenty of the twenty four editions of the Hong Kong Vase, with Japan supplying two. Locally trained winners are scarce, with Dominant in 2013 being the last to salute. This year Hong Kong’s best chances are Pakistan Star, who is possibly in the wrong race and Eagle Way. Both ran in the Jockey Club Cup.
Pakistan Star was a stunning winner of the QEII Cup in April and it is a surprise to see him running in this. His effort on speed in the Jockey Club Cup was poor and I’d expect he’ll be ridden more quietly here.
Eagle Way received all the favours in the Jockey Club Cup. He’s a Queensland Derby winner, who hasn’t had a lot of luck since being in Hong Kong, but looks to have found his form at the right time. Whether that is good enough is questionable.
The Europeans look strong as usual. Waldgeist ran well in the Arc, and went on to the Breeders Cup from there. He’s been busy and perhaps that showed in the Breeders Cup, where he was a touch soft. Salouen has had a good season, although struggles to win. Mirage Dancer is lightly raced and has been very good this season, the son of Frankel has looked good in his work this week and can race handy or even lead if necessary.
Red Verdon and Prince Of Arron have both been to Australia for the spring, with contrasting fortunes. Red Verdon was only fair in the Caulfield Cup, in a race that was not run to suit. He had hoof problems subsequent to that and missed the Melbourne Cup. Prince Of Arron had three vey good runs in Australia, winning the Lexus Stakes and placing in the Melbourne Cup.
The Irish Derby quinella horses, Latrobe and Rostropovich, have also been to Melbourne. Both have had plenty of travel, but look well. Neither has done a lot this week, although Latrobe has completed many laps of the dirt track.
The Japanese are represented by Lys Gracieux and Crocosmia, the latter galloped on Tuesday morning and has remained in the quarantine barn for the rest of the week which, has to be a concern. They were the quinella horses in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup – f&m four weeks ago (which Snow Fairy cam out of in 2010 to win the Cup). Prior to that they ran in the G2 Fuchu Himba S. – f&m, where they finished behind Deirdre (Lys Garcieux 2nd and Crocosmia 5th).
Crocosmia is a natural leader and should ensure there is speed. Mirage Dancer is likely to take the sit behind, with Rostropovich also handy, with Salouen, Prince Of Arran and Latrobe also in the front half. Pakistan Star should be nice and relaxed mid pack. The pace should give everyone a chance to show their best.
For what it’s worth, my numbers are: 5/10/2/1
Sprint
This race looks a battle amongst the locals, with the visitors facing a very tall task if they’re to prevail. Fine Needle brings the best form of the visitors, coming off back-to-back victories at home, the last in the Sprinters Stakes at G1 level. Sir Dancealot has a pair of G2 wins this season, but both of those were at 1400m. Lim’s Cruiser is the best sprinter in Singapore, but that is a level below what he will encounter here.
The key race is likely to be the Jockey Club Sprint run three weeks ago.
Hot King Prawn was drawn eight of nine, and was able to get across and lead without trouble. He’s drawn wider in this, however the scenario is likely to pan out much the same. The adaptable Mr Stunning is likely to be prominent again as he also has a wide draw to contend with. Ivictory will also be prominent along with D B Pin and Little Giant should find a nice spot. Fine Needle will tail the field most likely.
The result could well be determined by how much pressure is applied to Hot King Prawn – if he gets it easy again, there will most likely be a repeat of three weeks ago.
D B Pin returned to racing after an injury lay off in the Jockey Club Sprint and clearly needed the run. If he bought his best form here he is a live chance, in fact if I was confident that he would he’d likely be my tip. However I have a feeling he’ll be needing the run here, and I’ll be looking for him to be prominent later in the season.
Mr Stunning was charging home in the Jockey Club Sprint, but ran out of ground. He meets Hot King Prawn at level weights here, after giving him five pounds last time. Both horses are likely to improve again off that run, although Mr Stunning has had one less run this season. It’s a toss of the coin between them, but I’m leaning the way of Mr Stunning this time. In fact I can see third place getter from the Jockey Club Sprint, Beat The Clock doing the same here, with Fine Needle finishing on quickly.
Numbers: 2/5/4/6
Mile
After winning the Mile last year when he was priced at $8.4, Beauty Generation has risen several levels and will be odds on to repeat here. He got an easy time of it in the lead last year, but has proven since that he can win when pressured and even be eased back if the pace is too strong, as evidenced in the Jockey Club Mile.
The task here is to find those that will fill the placings. Mozu Ascot comes here as a Yasuda Kinen winner three starts ago. His last run in the Mile Championship at Kyoto was without luck and perhaps not Lemaire’s finest ride. However I get the feeling he was entitled to do better. He has looked well in his work this week, but has not really been asked to do a lot.
Persian Knight also comes out of the Mile Championship, where he ran a very good second to Stelvio. If this was decided on looks Persian Knight would be winning, he is a stunning looking horse. However that will not see him beating Beauty Generation. Seeing Mozu Ascot improve would be no surprise. If these horses have not bottomed out after that race, they can figure in the finish.
I’m going to put a line through the European challenge. Beat The Bank is far from the top Miler in Britain, and they are a plain lot currently. Inns Of Court is perhaps at his best at 1400m, a trip at which he finished second to One Master two starts back. One Master subsequently went to the Breeders cup, where she ran fifth.
Vivlos is likely to be making her final racetrack appearance here. She won the Dubai Turf in 2017 and was second this year. She’s perhaps at her best beyond a Mile and has raced twice since Dubai and has not filled the frame, but has been respectable. I’d love to see her win, but that is unlikely.
The next best of the local Milers is Southern Legend, who put in a good effort in the lead up race. Old marvel Beauty Only needs two things – a good pace and a firm track to figure.
Numbers: 1/2/9/4
Cup
There has been money thrown at the Cup in an effort to bolster it, but it has failed to draw a full field here which is disappointing. There are no stand out 2000m horses on show. From a local perspective the Jockey Club Cup is the key lead up race, however the winner from that Eagle Way goes the the Vase.
Brothers Time Warp and Glorious Forever were on a mission to destroy each other in that, and succeeded admirably, setting it up for a closer. Time Warp needs a scenario like last year where he is not bothered on the lead, to have any chance of repeating that win. Glorious Forever’s connections have indicated that they will take a sit this time round.
Gold Mount has not won since the Happy Valley Vase in March, but has been very consistent and is a place chance again here.
The visitors are likely to figure. Deirdre comes off two wins in filly and mare grade in Japan and has been set for this. She travelled to Dubai earlier this year and performed creditably, finishing in a dead heat for third.
Staphanos stands in the frequent visitor queue at the airport, this being his fifth trip to Hong Kong where he has a third placing (to Maurice in 2016) and forth (last year to Time Warp) in the Cup. He looks as well as ever, but a win here would surprise.
Sungrazer is perhaps the best credentialed of the Japanese visitors. He was a G2 winner of the Sapporo Kinen two starts back and second to Rey de Oro in the Tenno Sho Autumn last time out. That form reads well for this. The question mark is, will he run to his peak off a tough effort last time?
As is usual for a Thursday here before a big meeting, it was pretty busy out at the track this morning. Too many horses to capture in one post, so I will be catching up with a few of todays in tomorrow post.
Persian Knight
This guy continues to impress, not only with his stunning good looks, but his gallop today was also very nice. He comes up against a formidable hometown opponent in Beauty Generation, but a good run in the Mile Championship at home last time, were he finished second to Stelvio, indicates that he is in form.
Today he galloped 1200m over the turf course and clocked 1m 25.6s (34.0, 29.3, 22.3).Trainer Yasutoshi Ikee said: “He moved nicely to remain active while he was galloping. I think he goes into the race a fit horse. He has a great mode and is very settled.”
Mr Stunning
Last years HKIR Sprint winner comes into this years race having had a change of stable – moving from John Size to Frankie Lor. You wouldn’t consider a move away from the Size stable a positive, however Lor had a tremendous first season out on his own. Mr Stunning comes into this off two good runs this season, placing both time at G2 and G3 level, both times behind Hot King Prawn.
He looked really well in his gallop on the dirt track this morning and I think we can expect a bold showing. Karis Teetan rides from a widish gate – barrier 9.
Time Warp
Last years Cup winner is looking to become only the second horse to go back-to-back in the race (previously done by California Memory in 2011/2012). He’s had some mixed form since, and seems to really only be at his best when he gets a lead on his own. Whether this scenario plays out is doubtful as his full brother, Glorious Forever, is of the same ilk. They cut each other up with a crazy pace three weeks ago in the Jockey Club Cup, where neither were able to run a place
He certainly looks well and gets his chance here if things go his way, as this is not the strongest Cup. Trainer Tony Cruz commented yesterday “I’m happy with all of my horses, they’re all fit and we’ll just see what happens at the draw on Thursday.” The draw didn’t go exactly to plan as Time Warp has drawn 7 of 9.
Glorious Forever
It’s not often you get to see full brothers run against one another in a G1 race, let alone where there is a small pool of horses like there is in Hong Kong. However both have made it here, Time Warp with two G1 victories on the board and Glorious Forever the younger sibling yet to taste victory at the highest level. This race seems to have come rather quickly for Glorious Forever, but I was saying the same about Time Warp last year.
A win in this would genuinely surprise, but given his rising rating here, there are not many other options available to him.
Little Giant
He has had feet issues since arriving in Hong Kong, but the highly-talented galloper was unbeaten in two NZ starts before export. He’s had three wins from five well-spaced runs in here, over the past three seasons. Little Giant returned with a brilliant course and distance Class 2 win on 1 October before arguably being beaten by a wide draw when a neck 3rd to Rattan in a strong Class 1 Panasonic Cup (1400m) at his latest outing. This is a tough test, but he does look an untapped talent. Likely settled midfield or back and has won on good and yielding ground.
He worked on the all-weather track this morning, covering 1200m in 1m 26.4s (33.5, 28.1, 24.8). Jockey Zac Purton said: “It was just an easy piece for him this morning. He’s coming back to 1200 (metres) from 1400. He’s probably the fittest he’s ever been in his time in Hong Kong so hopefully that’s a good thing.”
Mirage Dancer
Trainer Sir Michael Stoute took the Vase in 2000 with Daliapour and has this year engaged the progressive four-year-old Mirage Dancer. He’s a lightly-raced, consistent stayer who was 0.5L 2nd to subsequent Caulfield Cup winner Best Solution in a G2 at 2400m, before 3.5L win over Red Verdon in G3 Glorious Stakes (2398m) at Goodwood on 3 August. He was then a short-head 2nd to Young Rascal in a Newbury G3 over 2200m at his latest start.
He took to the turf today with Sunday’s jockey Ryan Moore on board and looked in good shape as he had a nice breeze down the home straight, covering 800m in 54.8s (30.4, 24.4). Sir Michael Stoute’s assistant Sarah Deniff said: “This morning Ryan Moore was very happy with him and I am too, everything is good and we’ll hope for a nice draw later.” Unfortunately the wish for a good gate was not fulfilled as he drew marble 13 of 14.
Rostropovich
This well travelled young horse comes here off a solid Melbourne Cup effort where he was fifth, with Vase jockey Wayne Lordan on board. He’s had an understandably quiet time of it here since arriving.
He made his first appearance on the turf track this week, and worked with his big race jockey Wayne Lordan in the irons. Lordan said: “I’m happy with that. He seems very well and in good heart. He’s been running well, and he’s maturing with experience.”
Thanks to the HKJC content team for quotes from connections
