With the sport of racing being further globalised in recent years, some international racing carnivals have attracted even wider participation by runners and horsemen from different countries and nationalities. You all can get some clues on this prevailing trend from major international race meetings such as the Royal Ascot and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe race meetings in Europe, the Breeders’ Cup in the United States, Melbourne Cup day in Australia and most certainly our Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races every December.
Some of the top racehorses and horsemen in the world will converge on Dubai tonight for the Dubai World Cup meeting, competing for total prize money of US$27 million on offer in eight thoroughbred races. Six Hong Kong runners have proceeded to the Gulf state to contest three Group 1 races. Coincidentally, we have the same number of Hong Kong contestants this year as last year, but our contingent is quite significantly different; it’s probably, in our history, the strongest team of runners to compete in a racing carnival overseas. The group includes two victors of our CXHK international races last year, California Memory and Lucky Nine, as well as Joy And Fun who returns to Meydan to attempt a second major success there; and of course our brilliant Horse of the Year Ambitious Dragon.
Most local racing media have carried extensive coverage throughout the week about the preparation and latest condition of our six runners in Dubai. Their comments have reflected their high expectations on our top gallopers this time. In 2007, Vengeance Of Rain landed the Dubai Sheema Classic, proving the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s top runners in global racing. This time four of our highest-rated horses in Hong Kong will tackle the big events on the Dubai World Cup day, in which the first three finishers of Stewards Cup and HK Gold Cup (Ambitious Dragon, Xtension, California Memory), are all in the G1 Dubai Duty Free. I know a number of trainers and jockeys view this 1800m event as one of the strongest races of the night. Therefore, I will be looking forward to seeing how the HK trio perform in the very top world stage of racing. But when racing abroad, how the runners settle and adapt to the environment, in this case Dubai, as well as how these competitive races map out, are also important factors that could affect the outcome and final results.
Having said that, I would say all six runners exhibited prime form prior to their excursions to Dubai. Ambitious Dragon is a consummate professional and he has been one of the first on the track each morning, looking relaxed and primed for action. His fellow Dubai Duty Free contenders are also limbering up well for tonight’s big test; Xtension and California Memory are both wonderful examples of thoroughbred athletes and seem to be relishing this working holiday.
I know that Derek Cruz is particularly happy with Joy And Fun as he reaches a peak for the Al Quoz Sprint and although Manfred Man had some concerns about Eagle Regiment, he is progressing well, has cantered smoothly each morning, and will relish the straight 1000m at Meydan. Another that gave cause for concern is Lucky Nine, who unfortunately ripped off a shoe early in the week. His injured foot is responding well to treatment and the horse, who for all that looks in exceptionally good shape, has been able to continue working on the track each day and is expected to run his heart out in the Golden Shaheen.
Lucky Nine’s setback reminds us that these horses are living, breathing half-ton animals of flesh, muscle, bone and sinew. They are susceptible to unforeseen accidents or sickness, just like you or I, and the fact that we are able to enjoy their endeavours on the racetrack is down to the expert handling of their trainers and grooms.
Hopefully they can all arrive at the starting gate tonight healthy, sound and unaffected by the rigours of travel, so that they can perform to their top level. If they do, it is perfectly possible that this elite team of Hong Kong horses can exceed the past achievements of Vengeance Of Rain, Joy And Fun, and Dynamic Blitz in Dubai. You may also stay tuned to our broadcast and give your support through our simulcast starting from 10pm HK time this evening.
I will be there in person to give my loudest cheering support to all Hong Kong contenders from Meydan’s grandstand. I’ve also taken some time to study their chances in their respective races during my flight. For the Al Quoz Sprint, it should be run at a fast pace which will help especially Joy And Fun who has settled in very well here in Dubai and he has good chance to win the race or at least being placed. Eagle Regiment at his best would have to be considered, but his preparations were not perfect and he is catching up. However, it is very difficult to beat top class horses if a runner is short of being 100 percent. Sole Power was unlucky but he ran a very good race last time. This British runner, together with Invincible Ash and Nocturnal Affair, will be three dangerous opponents to Joy And Fun.
The Dubai Golden Shaheen should see a revitalized Rocket Man who seems to be back to his best, and he has a good chance to win the race. Krypton Factor is an improving horse with a good form in his last run in a Group 3, which from Gate 5 he should have a place chance. Sepoy should not be underestimated, and I still can see Lucky Nine run a place, despite his bad draw of 12, but at least his trainer and jockey are very confident that his hoof problem will not affect him.
The Dubai Duty Free is a very competitive race on the card. Having three horses with a chance to show the Hong Kong colours, it’s really terrific. Ambitious Dragon is in top form and has settled in very well and with his good draw, he is for me the horse to beat. Xtension as well as California Memory are good place chances, too. Cityscape on his good form in Sha Tin is an interesting starter, as well as Mutahadee who is the ride of Christophe Soumillon. For the master of preparing horses for big races, Mike de Kock’s runner Musir is also capable to spring a surprise in this 1800m event.
After tonight’s simulcast races, please don’t forget we also have 10 exciting races on offer at Sha Tin tomorrow, including two pattern race events – the HKG2 Chairman’s Trophy and the HKG3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy. The pace in the Chairman's Trophy is expected to be good to fast, with Leading City, Able One and Beauty Flash as natural leaders. Beauty Flash is not working as great as he did before, and he is no longer a threat in these races. Glorious Days is working very well and his last performance to Lucky Nine was outstanding. He should be able to find a good spot just behind the pace and despite having his first attempt over the mile, he is for me the horse to beat. Admiration is expected to be in midfield and he has a place chance for me, as well as his stable companion Irian who will benefit from the good to fast pace. Fat Choy Oohlala will benefit from the expected pace too and can make a strong run from the back to be placed.
The Bauhinia Sprint Trophy has no fast leader in the field and with the smaller field of 11, most horses will get reasonably close to the favoured outside rail. Horse Galore, Little Bridge, Sacred Kingdom and Let Me Fight should be best placed. Sacred Kingdom is working very well and looks improved. He has a good chance to win the race and challenge for his 18th career win. After a short break, Little Bridge trialed well and he is for me the main danger, with Let Me Fight whose work has been good. California Choice is coming back to form. With the light weight, he will be an interesting outsider in this event.
Comment
