Horses

Hong Kong Cup 2018

December 11, 2018

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.

Hong Kong Mile 2018

December 10, 2018

Beauty Generation started a long odds on favourite here after several stunning performances this season, giving his rivals weight on all occasions. A few had a lingering doubts about his fitness after he had laid out considerably in the straight in the Jockey Club Mile last time, although trainer John Moore was not concerned.

Having drawn wide in 12, jockey Zac Purton was likely to be faced with a decision if those inside pushed on – take a sit as per the Jockey Club Cup or push on. Early on Comin’ Through and Fifty Fifty were keen to take the favourite on, but Purton had no concerns sitting three wide early, confident he had the superior animal. He was able to cross them with about 800m to go, and from there the result was never in doubt.

It was an emphatic win, Purton said of Beauty Generation “His best attribute is he has got a very high cruising speed, he’s very comfortable rolling along at that speed and he can kick off it. For the horses back in the field they’re already struggling to go the pace and when you’ve got to try and reel him in, it’s not an easy thing to do.”

Trainer John Moore said “That’s the most impressive by far,”. What he did today, he was taken on inside, he had to do it the hard way as far as I was concerned. Once he got to the front he has high RPMs (revs per minute), he got him up and away he went. As far as I could see he wasn’t even hit.”

What happens next for Beauty generation is undecided. It would be great to see him travel and prove that he is not just a Sha Tin horse, which Moore is keen to do. However the owners may not be so keen “The owner and his father are of the opinion that they don’t come back the same horse when they travel but I’m trying to convince them that that’s not the case with the way that I travel my horses. There’s a few little tricks there to make sure”.

“If we’re going to prove him we’re going to have to do it on the world stage: We’ve done it here; home ground; that’s the advantage; he’s done it easily.

“I’d love to travel him, to take him to Dubai where everyone says right, here’s the top three in the world. I’ve won the Shaheen and had a few placings over there.

“I know the venue very well and I believe he could travel. If everything goes to plan he could win there.”

Second in the race was the might mare Vivlos, who was making last race day appearance. Rider William Buick “Mr (Yasuo) Tomomichi had her in great shape. She ran a really good race and was comfortable through the run, but was beaten by one of the best of the best milers in the world.”

Thanks to the HKJC for the quotes from connections.

Sha Tin Track Work 6.12.2018

December 6, 2018

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

Sha Tin Track Work 5.12.2018

December 5, 2018

Ivictory/D B Pin/Nothingilikemore

The trio of John Size trained horses worked early this morning. All have a point to prove one way or another this weekend.

Ivictory won the Chairmans Sprint Prize last season and was good on his seasonal debut this time around, however two subsequent runs have been disappointing.

D B Pin was second to Mr Stunning in this race last year, then went on to win the Centenary Sprint at G1 level. He subsequently sustained a tendon injury and missed the rest of the season. He made his return on Jockey Club day three weeks ago, and was in need of the run.

This time last year Nothingilikemore was being spruiked as a likely classic contender. He won the Classic Mile, but didn’t get the trip in later Classic races. He returned this season in the Oriental Watch Sha Tin trophy, putting in a poor showing finishing mid pack.

Fine Needle

The dual G1 winner from Japan makes his second visit to Hong Kong. He finished forth in the Chairmans Sprint in April, where he was closing quickly. He’ll need to run better than that to turn the tables on the local sprint team. however he’s looking comfortable in his surroundings at Sha Tin.

He cantered easily for one and a half laps on the all-weather track this morning. Work rider Yoshinori Unoki said: “He has settled in well and has maintained good condition. Tomorrow, jockey Yuga Kawada will gallop him and I hope he will be more ready, mentally, after that drill.”

Mirage Dancer

The Sir Michael Stoute trained Mirage Dancer is a late-maturing galloper with a G1pedigree. He’s G2-placed and was a commanding winner of G3 Glorious Stakes at Goodwood in August, beating fellow Vase contender Red Verdon. He can run on pace or lead and is effective on all ground.

He took to the turf on this morning and stretched his legs for a circuit in 1m 32.1s (31.8, 31.0, 29.3), increasing the tempo slightly in the straight, without being asked to do too much. He followed that with schooling in the paddock
Assistant Sarah Denniff said: “I was very happy with that, he was nice and relaxed, and everything is good with him. The plan is for Ryan Moore to breeze him on the turf tomorrow.

Prince Of Arran

Prince Of Arron arrives in hong kong coming off two cracking runs in Melbourne. Firstly he won the Lexus Stakes to qualify for the Melbourne Cup, then backing up three days later he finished a good third in the big one. Several horse have come here off the Melbourne Cup and run well in the past – Vase winners Dunaden and Red Cadeaux.

Salouen

I don’t think I’ve seen many horses with a more unattractive gait than this one. However it hasn’t stopped him showing some very good form this season. He almost caused a shock when a head second to Cracksman in the G1 Coronation Cup in June, when de Sousa failed to snip Dettori as he made for the rails run. This was followed by an eye-catching sixth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. He can race on speed or lead and has no concerns in any ground.

Today he continued his preparation with a canter on the all-weather track under work rider Shaun Graham. Former UK trainer Philip Mitchell, representing trainer Sylvester Kirk, said: “He’s in absolutely cracking form. He’s still got a summer sheen on his coat and he looks bigger and stronger than ever. We just need a bit of luck with the draw and in the race.

“He certainly didn’t have any luck when sixth in the Arc last time and both the trainer and I believe he could have been fourth. Let’s just say that he had his mind on other things with the filly (Enable) in the next stall, and, instead of being fast away, he lost three or four lengths at the gate. There was no Plan B but he was closing fast late on, only to get hampered.”

Thanks to the HKJC team for quotes from connections.

BOC Jockey Club Day

November 18, 2018

This is one of the best days racing on the Hong Kong racing calendar. The horses assured of a start on International Day are all here as are those looking to seal their spot. The top twenty rated horses in Hong Kong appeared in the three G2 races, which are run under set weights and penalties.

First of the big three races was the Mile, with Beauty Generation a dominant favourite after two impressive wins in handicaps carrying top weight. There had been some banter during the week, with Beauty Generation’s jockey Zac Purton suggesting it would be unwise for others to test his mounts front running capabilities.

They paid no heed to those words and the early speed was hot – so hot in fact Purton was comfortable enough to settle his mount mid-pack. Once the speed eased he pushed Beauty Generation forward to sit outside the leader, The Golden Age. Once they turned for home, it was no contest with Beauty Generation spacing his rivals, setting a new track record in doing so.

Trainer John Moore was effusive, saying “He was like Able Friend. He reminded me of Able Friend, making the big run and scooting clear from the turn. He’s proved he’s a champion. He had to make two runs out there after it was like the charge of the Light Brigade early and people around the world now will stand up and take notice that there is a very good miler here in Hong Kong,” That is high praise!

Of the early tactical battle, Zac Purton said “They ran the first half mile ridiculously fast and I was happy to let them burn themselves out and then to roll forward around them when they backed it off,”

Beauty Generation laid out considerably in the run home, to which John Moore commented “He had a few shoeing issues coming into this race, but we have three weeks to sort them out, which we will.”

Second home was the ever honest Southern Legend, who is coming along nicely for HKIR, however he has a mammoth task in front go him to turn the tables on Beauty Generation. Trainer Caspar Fownes “I’ve planned my guy to peak at the right time and he’s shown us that today. He’s still run very well in pinching second place. He’ll improve going into the big day but right now it looks a race for second place and I’ll take second place for that prize money. He’s getting better, I’ve saved some improvement into the big day but he’s going to need it because that winner is something else.”

The Jockey Club Cup was also an intriguing race, with brothers Time Warp and Glorious Forever both wanting to lead. Time Warp got the better of Glorious Forever last time out, but did seem to get it a bit easy.

Today they went at each other hammer and tongs, with Joao Moreira determined not to let Zac Purton get away with any easy sectionals on Time Warp. As is often the case in a speed battle, the race was set up for a closer.

The benefactor today was the John Moore trained Eagle Way, who was able to finish over the top of the early speed. Ridden by Silvestre de Sousa, Eagle Way was able to secure his best win since the Queensland Derby in 2016. This time last year, he had been a very sick horse, who was not seen at his best. However Moore has got him back to health and tweaked his routine.

“Eagle Way’s like Beauty Generation in that he’s really hit his straps this season,” Moore said. “We’ve tweaked a few little things and what we’ve tweaked have been the right things

“He has just been progressing – his second start, we saw him finish third; the next run the pace just didn’t suit and he closed to third; today, the way it was run, it was a different situation and he hit the line strong – 2000 metres and more is where he excels.”

Winning today has presented Moore with an interesting dilemma, originally set for the Vase, he is now pondering sticking to 2000m. “We haven’t decided whether we run in the Vase over 2400 or the Cup over 2000,” Moore said.

“We’ll put in a supplementary entry for the Cup before deadline tomorrow and I’ll talk it over with the owner, Mr. Siu, whether we run. I’m hearing that the Cup might be an option worth considering.”

The early speed put paid to Time Warp’s chances – “He had no chance today with Glorious Forever driving us mad like he did,” Purton said.

Moore also had Werther in the race, who finished third “Werther just needed the run; he had a good blow when he pulled up and Douglas Whyte said he’ll improve three to four lengths on that run, so that puts us right in the picture for the Hong Kong Cup on 9 December. If he had run in the Ladies’ Purse he’d have been right in there giving this horse a race,” he said.

The Sprint looked an open affair, however Hot King Prawn, winner of his two starts this season proved too strong. Both his wins to date have come in handicaps receiving considerable weight. He did benefit by five pounds here, but was much closer to his rivals than previously.

He was able to get the lead after jumping well, and never looked like being headed at any stage. It was a triumphal return to Sha Tin for Joao Moreira, who has taken a stable jockey role with trainer John Size. There is no shortage of pickings in the sprint ranks in the stable, but there is no doubt that Moreira will be sticking with Hot King Prawn in three weeks time.

A delighted Moreira said “It’s such a pleasure to be back riding a horse like this for John,” “He was so fast out of the gate and when I asked him to go in the straight I was always confident that he could hold on.”

Of his thoughts going forward, Joao is confident “Hot King Prawn is a lovely horse and today he gave me the feeling that he’s a star, so I’m really looking forward to what is next.” On what we saw today, the jump to G1 WFA should present no problems for Hot King Prawn.

Trainer John Size is impressed with the progression of his charge. “He’s made gradual improvement and keeps coming up with the goods,” he said. “We keep turning him out but he helps himself both at home and at the races.”

Runner-up today was last years December Sprint winner Mr Stunning, who acquitted himself well again. Jockey Karis Teetan said “Zac’s horse smashed into him and he fell back half a length but he got his momentum late and hit the line strong.”

Thanks to the HKJC team for quotes from connections.

Chairmans Sprint 2018

April 30, 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.

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

April 30, 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.

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

April 30, 2018

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.

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.

Sha Tin Track Work 26.04.2018

April 26, 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

April 25, 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.”