I attended the British Champions Day meeting at Ascot with a quick return journey between Hong Kong and London. Though it was a bit rushed, every minute of travel was worthwhile as the trip was good and all races were very exciting. I wasted no time after races and proceeded to the airport to catch the return flight, so that I could be back on time, arriving at Sha Tin midway of our races on Sunday.
There was plenty of interest in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes this year as it featured the clash between Solow and Gleneagles. It was Solow who ended up the victor, getting his ninth nine consecutive win and fifth straight G1 in this event – a remarkable string for a horse who has done plenty of traveling from his home base. Although he had a long season which started in March, it didn't take a huge toll on him and he produced a very convincing victory. I’ve chatted with Solow’s trainer Freddy Head and he said the horse has already put on part of his winter coat. So their plan is to give him a break before a possible return to Dubai in March next year.
For the main race, the Champion Stakes this year was rather open, and it went to Irish raider Fascinating Rock. Dermot Weld was full of praise for his budding star, and I had the pleasure of standing next to Dermot during the race and it was quite exciting for all involved. He is very interested in sending one or two of his top horses to Hong Kong for our internationals in December, with Free Eagle, the Prince of Wales’s Stakes winner one of them. The only victory of this Irish champion trainer in our HKIR came from Additional Risk in our inaugural running of Mile, then known as the Hong Kong Invitation Bowl, in 1991. It will be interesting to see if he can end the 24-year wait and taste another success in Hong Kong.
The first nomination stage of this year’s HKIR closes next Monday. We will then see which horses from Dermot’s yard, as well as other big names, are vying for invitations at our flagship international raceday. Before then, we will be hosting our “Happy Thursday” meeting at the Valley tonight, which will also be the final of the Oktoberfest themed races. So please come along with your friends and enjoy the fun on-course this evening.
The Hebe Hill Handicap is the last and the best race of the day being a Class 2 with an extended rating band of 105 to 80. The pace should be good with Twin Delight going to the front over his favourite course and distance and will likely be joined by Fat Choy Hong Kong, ridden by Jack Wong, who may be pressed to go for the lead. Sichuan Vigour can take a forward spot on the rails with Regency King on his outside. Winnie's Horse and Horse Of Fortune should be well positioned in midfield with Lucky Double Eight sitting just behind. Meanwhile, quite a few will want to come from the back of the field, including Wah May Friend, Star Majestic, Got Fly, Verdane and Goodheart Success.
The C+3 course normally makes it more difficult for horses coming from the back and I would not be surprised if Fat Choy Hong Kong can repeat his last win over course and distance, and at the least, has a good chance for a place. Twin Delight should not be underestimated too but my first choice is Lucky Double Eight from the good draw with Goodheart Success who is working well.
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