Our feature race at Sha Tin on Sunday was the Kwangtung Handicap Cup, in which Same World scored a decent win to give his handler John Moore a first success this season. The winner is a smart performer but it was two other runners, Mizani and All You Wish, who attracted strong public support. Although that pair had to settle for minor roles in third and fourth, I think their performances were pretty good as they finished the race well. Both may need a longer distance but I think these two horses, as well as the winner, are well worth watching this season.
The first pattern races will be held in two weeks’ time and that is not the only big-race action to look forward to as we will also bring you the season’s first simulcast races at around the same time. Apart from the Sprinters Stakes day from Japan next week, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and Prix de l’Opera will follow the week after. With the latter in mind, the action at Longchamp last Sunday featured two top Group 1 races in the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp and the Prix Vermeille, and two Group 2 events, which are traditionally important lead-up races to the Arc.
I had a personal interest in one of those Group 2 races, the Prix Foy, as my horse Now We Can was among the field. He travelled nicely early in this 2400m race and settled close to the pace, but ran a bit flat in the closing stages. Having said that, he finished just about two lengths behind the runner-up, and the very slow pace, combined with the soft ground, did not much suit him as well. Gauging from that I would say it was a big improvement on his last run and we will now target for the Group 1 Canadian International next month.
Even though Now We Can did not win, I was pleased to see a high quality performance in the race from one of the sport’s real stars, Orfevre, who was narrowly beaten in the Arc last season. My friends and counterparts in Japan will be very happy and no doubt hopeful of achieving a first Arc success for their country after Orfevre’s emphatic victory in Prix Foy, especially considering the Japanese Derby winner Kizuna edged Epsom Derby winner Ruler Of The World in the main three-year-old Arc trial, the Prix Niel. Both Japanese horses have proven their credentials against top European horses and I believe we are in for a great race when they square off in the Arc against the likes of King George winner Novellist and top fillies The Fugue and Treve, who was also emphatic in winning the Prix Vermeille on Sunday.
It is always exciting to anticipate such a great race but before getting too far ahead of ourselves – the Arc is still three weeks away – let’s focus on tonight’s race meeting at Happy Valley.
Not only will it be a special Tuesday night meeting, it is also our first Oktoberfest race meeting of the season. Apart from German beer, Schweinshaxe and sausages, of course we have arranged various themed activities and performances on course for race-goers tonight. I hope to see you at the Valley this evening.
And for our race action and the eight races on the card, the Wong Chuk Hang Handicap, a Class 2 event over 1650m, attracts my particular interest. The expected pace is good to slow which should give horses near the front or midfield a slight advantage. To overcome his wide draw, Chater Dream will have to work hard to get across to the front and to share the lead with Business As Usual. Racing Hero and Galaxy Prancer should be well positioned behind the leaders, with Mighty High and Champagne Days in midfield shadowed by Jolly Fine.
Business As Usual is working well and his current body weight is near to the level as he last won. He is a place chance in my opinion. Galaxy Prancer is looking fit and I see his chance being similar to Business As Usual. Mighty High is an interesting outsider as he is coming down in the handicap rating in the off-season by another eight pounds. My favourites in this race are Champagne Days and Jolly Fine as they are both looking good in trackwork and I especially like Jolly Fine. Noble Deluxe has to come from the draw of gate 11 and from the back of the field. Despite this, he is still a place chance in this event.
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