Many of you will know that eight Hong Kong horses departed last week for Dubai and Japan, aiming to add their names to the list of Hong Kong successes in major overseas races. The LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint winner Aerovelocity will attempt to break through a new frontier in Japan as he will be the first Hong Kong runner to participate in the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen.
Paul O’Sullivan’s stable ace arrived in Japan last Tuesday, and I learnt that he coped with the travel well and has been having his light work and exercise every morning. His condition had been on the up day by day and his journey from Tokyo to Chukyo racecourse at Nagoya on Monday was a smooth one. On paper he’s definitely a key contender in the race, given that he is the highest-rated horse in the race with an official international rating of 118, and that there are only three other G1 winners in the field. I will be interested to learn more of his preparation in the days to come.
In another corner of Asia, seven other Hong Kong runners arrived in Dubai on Sunday for this year’s Dubai World Cup races, including six sprinters who will take part in the two races won by Hong Kong horses in 2014 – the G1 Al Quoz Sprint and the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. The seventh Hong Kong hope, reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year Designs On Rome, will feature in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic and will try to emulate the success of Vengeance Of Rain in 2007.
It’s great to learn from reports and our colleagues in Dubai that this quality septet fared very well after their arrival, as they all are in really great shape and condition in two recent mornings. In particular it was reported that both Designs On Rome and Super Jockey appeared to be very relaxed when they were worked at Meydan yesterday, seemingly enjoyed much on their Arabian experience, which is definitely a good sign. I hope these two horses, as well as other Hong Kong runners, will stay sound as approaching the raceday.
Some international media also gave special attention to the World Cup meeting this year, as the Dubai Racing Club has switched the track surface at Meydan from Tapeta back to dirt, reportedly to attract more runners from North America. Although the number of North American runners participating in this year’s Dubai World Cup races is fewer than last year, I think the leading runners such as Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome, Donn Handicap winner Lea, and Breeders’ Cup Sprint runner-up Secret Circle, all possess huge quality and are capable to deliver good performances to reward their supporting fans.
With it being the 20th running of the Dubai World Cup meeting this year, I’m sure the local connections, especially Godolphin, which has won two of the most recent three editions of the World Cup, will be very eager to win the race. I will try to obtain more and share with you up-to-date information about our seven Hong Kong runners after I arrive in Dubai later this week.
Before we turn our attention to Meydan and Chukyo, some of our dirt performers will feature in our race night over Sha Tin’s dirt track this evening. Turf races have always been the mainstream and key focus of Hong Kong racing, given that the majority of our high caliber horse population act on turf surface. Having said that, we are in the view that we should provide extra options and choices for horses of different strength and ability, so that they can have the chance to perform and obtain results over another surface.
Among the eight races on the card tonight, the Diamond Hill Handicap, which is run as Race 5 and as a Class 2 over 1650m, is the sporting highlight of the night. Pablosky steps up to the mile this time and will have to work early from his wide draw. But I think he should still be able to take the lead, most likely with Majestic Anthem or Sichuan Vigour who will both be competing for good spots. The tempo is likely to be good to slow, with Eagle Power, Vanilla and Gun Pit can be well placed. Gun Pit is working well and despite carrying top weight, he is a win and place chance. Majestic Anthem should not be underestimated too. Pablosky is a real good dirt performer and despite stepping up in distance, he’s still a win and place chance here. For the rest of the field, Sichuan Vigour is the horse I like for a place.
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