Whether you were at the racecourse or in front of your television screen at home I am sure many of you gave your support to Ambitious Dragon’s Triple Crown bid in the Champions & Chater Cup last Sunday. It’s a pity that this top horse failed to write a new chapter in Hong Kong’s racing history as he surged past all but Liberator in our last HK Group 1 race of the season.
Despite the near miss, I think he still ran a good race. When River Verdon achieved the Triple Crown feat in 1994, the Chater Cup was then run over the distance of 2200m. If Ambitious Dragon were competing over that distance last Sunday, he could perhaps have won. But there was always going to be a question mark as to whether the 2400m would stretch his stamina beyond its limit. As it turned out, he posted the fastest final two sectionals of any horse in the race, including the winner, but was unable to reel in the game and resilient Liberator.
I was skeptical in my last blog that Liberator could beat Dominant and turn the form from the Queen's Mother Memorial Cup around. Adding to that, Liberator’s rating was also far lower than Ambitious Dragon, but the great strategy drafted by trainer David Ferraris and outstanding tactical ride given by jockey Weichong Marwing have enabled Liberator to outshine both horses and earned them a great reward.
We in the Club are also pleased to see this result as Liberator is the first HK International Sale graduate to win the Chater Cup. It has undoubtedly been a great season for Ferraris as this was his second top-level success this year, following Sweet Orange in the Hong Kong Classic Mile. Ferraris has plenty to look forward to next season with these two four-year-olds doing so well for him this season, and both Sweet Orange and Liberator carry connections’ expectations at the top level with Liberator already being touted as a G1 Hong Kong Vase candidate.
In the race immediately after the Chater Cup there was drama of an unwanted variety as Douglas Whyte and Umberto Rispoli were dislodged from their mounts in a race-riding accident, after Whyte’s ride Can Do broke down at the turn. Fortunately both jockeys proved their resilience as they did not sustain any serious injuries. Despite the speed at which they fell, Dougie only suffered bruises and minor pain to his back and Umberto sustained a minor fracture in his right wrist. I wish Umberto a speedy recovery.
Umberto has already returned to Europe to continue his rehabilitation and he could be competing in races there in about two weeks’ time. And for Dougie, well he is already showing what a consummate professional he is as I know that he has quickly showed up at trackwork the very next morning to fulfil his commitment with a number of trainers and exercise their horses as planned on Monday and Tuesday mornings.
Whyte has demonstrated the commitment needed to be a top sportsman and athlete, and has exhibited the characteristics that make him a champion. That heightened professionalism, dedicated drive and determination to fulfil ones commitments are probably what sets apart a true champion and is the secret of success for a professional sportsman.
It has been three weeks since the previous Valley meeting, and tonight we have arranged eight exciting races on this city racetrack. Dougie will also partner seven rides and I will see how he performs this evening.
The Sports Club Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup (Handicap) run as a Class 3 event over 1200m is the most open race of the day with plenty of chances to take the Cup. Loving All seems to be the only horse in the race who is not yet ready with a chance. The pace is expected to be fast with four regular leaders trying to get the lead. Dr Super from Gate 10 as well as Gold Edition from Gate 9 will have to push early. Both of them have good speed and should be able to cross with Bould Mover and Mr Award likely settling behind the leaders. Gold Edition is an upcoming three-year-old and is at least a place chance for me. Shibala was very impressive last time over the course and distance and should find a good position in midfield. Though going up in class, he has a place chance in this race, too. Sea The Pearls is well drawn in Gate 1 and should get a good run from midfield for a win or place. Imperial Rome has to come from the back but the fast pace should help him to get a place.
The Wyndham Handicap run as last race of the day is a Class 2 1200m event. It is expected to be run at a fast pace with the regular leader Romantic City setting the pace. Charity Spirit who seems to have an issue to see out the 1200m should be following him, with Good Words, Legendary Dragon, Windicator Power, Talley Close and Charles The Great being well placed. Legendary Dragon is working well and Gate 11 is not ideal for him but he will still be a place chance for me in this event. Talley Close is working very well and despite going up in class is a win and place chance. In my opinion, Charles The Great will be the horse to beat. Douglas Whyte has chosen him and he was unlucky not to win last time when blocked early in the straight. The 1200m seems to be his best distance. Other chances for a place are Good Words and Windicator Power.
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