It was my good fortune to have been in Singapore on Sunday to enjoy what was the best ever performance by a Hong Kong contingent overseas. It was an extraordinary night as Military Attack and Lucky Nine triumphed impressively and confirmed again their world-class status in the Singapore Airlines International Cup and KrisFlyer International Sprint respectively, and our third runner, the battling Dan Excel, clinched second in the Cup.
The victories marked the first time that Hong Kong horses have won two overseas G1s in a single race day, and in Military Attack and Dan Excel it was also the first time that Hong Kong horses have managed to secure a one-two finish in an overseas G1 event.
Although Dan Excel was no match for the stellar performance produced by his stablemate at Kranji, his hard-fought second, with proven G1 winners behind him, was undoubtedly creditable. This good performance was an extension of the winning form he showed at Sha Tin a fortnight ago and emphasised his standing as a competitive miler or middle-distance runner at the top-class international level.
I noticed that a few racing commentators had raised doubts about this year’s Champions Mile. Some were of the opinion that the quality of this year’s event was short of that of an international Group 1. But from our handicappers I learnt that the provisional rating of the race will be at or above 118. This average figure in fact complies with the international G1 standard, and is even better than some G1 events in Europe. Despite the event perhaps not being as glamourous as those “Super G1s” at our international meeting in December, I would say the Champions Mile this year was a very decent G1 event internationally, and Dan Excel’s solid performance in Singapore can be viewed as an endorsement of the standard of this year’s Champions Mile.
For our two winners in Singapore, while Brett Prebble and Zac Purton delivered world-class riding performances on both horses, I must say that the training efforts by John Moore and Caspar Fownes in preparing their horses for the assignments were first-class, as was the dedicated hard work of their stable staff. It’s especially pleasing to see John end his long hoodoo and claim his first G1 victory on foreign soil. And he did so in great style too as the top two horses in the SIA Cup were both from his stable. Lucky Nine also defied the odds and, as a bit of surprise to me, won his first overseas G1 on this occasion.
Both John and Lucky Nine are examples of persistence paying off. They kept trying and finally achieved their targets. It really was a very memorable occasion for us all from Hong Kong and the victories brought some sweet rewards for all related connections. I will be pleased to have the chance to celebrate in similar circumstances in the future when our top runners and horsemen race overseas. Winning G1 races on the international stage is great for Hong Kong racing and these recent victories again emphasise to the rest of the world the quality we have in Hong Kong racing in terms of our horses and our horsemen.
I learnt that after the race John expressed his desire to take Military Attack to Australia this autumn, to compete in the G1 Cox Plate in Moonee Valley. So too Caspar would like to go to Australia where the Patinack Farm Classic could probably be a target for Lucky Nine early next season. I can understand their desire to win a Group 1 Down Under, especially for John as it is his home country. However, current quarantine regulations for horses exporting to Australia are extremely stringent, as they are required to spend two weeks in pre-export quarantine in Hong Kong, residing in an isolated environment away from other horses, followed by another two to three weeks’ quarantine after arriving Australia. Similarly they have to spend two weeks in the quarantine stables after they return from Australia.
Such stringent set of quarantine requirements make it very difficult, even for temporary imports, to participate in these top races and this is something connections will carefully consider. Those connections could face the risks that such strict quarantine arrangements may prevent these horses from performing at their best for the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races in December. Anyway, let’s wait and see what the connections ultimately decide.
Some lucky horse connections will also have the chance to celebrate the sweet successes of their runners, should they win in our races at Happy Valley this evening. You may also aware of the heavy rain this morning in Hong Kong. Our track staff and Stipendiary Stewards have checked the condition of Valley track this afternoon and they confirmed that it is suitable for racing. Despite the black rainstorm signal and the heavy rainfall – reaching over 200mm over the past day – I’m pleased to see the drainage system of the racetrack still functioning very well. The track condition remains to be acceptable under such unstable weather condition. Under such circumstances I would say the drainage system’s performance has been world-class.
Among the eight races on the card, the Sauternes Cup is run as a Class 3 over 1200m and the pace is expected to be good to fast, with at least six horses can lead or sit just off the pace. Precision King and Tomodachi are the most likely leaders, with Multivictory taking the box seat inside of Joyful The Great, Grimmy and Supreme Falcon. Highest Acclaim has the option to go forward or more likely being taken back.
I would recommend you all having a close look at the track performance in other races earlier in the evening when you study this race. The good to fast pace normally helps horses coming from behind midfield but it depends how the track is performing and we have seen in the past that the front runners on a rain affected track have an advantage. Grimmy is working very well and has trialled in Happy Valley. He has to overcome a wide draw but I still see him as a win and place chance. Joyful The Great with Douglas Whyte is even draw wider and has form on yielding ground in New Zealand is despite the draw another win and place chance but not without risk. Multivictory from Gate 2 should get a good position and despite having not trialled in Valley, he is a win and place chance too. As an outsider coming from off the pace with a good soft track form in Australia I would not be surprised to see Medic Swordsman finishing for a place.
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