We unveiled the selected runners for this year’s LONGINES Hong Kong International Races on Wednesday, and I must say it is a stellar lineup.
If you have gone through the list I’m sure you will agree with me that these four G1 races boast both quantity and quality and promise plenty of excitement. It’s delightful to have 33 international G1 winners contesting our Turf World Championships, including Able Friend, Designs On Rome, Flintshire and Free Eagle – the four horses which now rank in the top 7 of the latest World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. We also have the same tally of overseas raiders this year. Should they all make the trip to Hong Kong and arrive in good over the coming week, then they will form the largest overseas contingent since the 2008 edition.
French runners have dominated the Vase, having won this race ten times. But I would say this year’s renewal appears to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with 11 of 14 selected runners being G1 winners, coming from six different countries and regions. Flintshire is incredibly consistent, but he will need a top effort to defend his title against a strong group of challengers.
It’s worth the wait for all of these four premier races. Tomorrow you can also check the latest performances of three selected runners in the Vase – Erupt, Trip To Paris and Ito – when they run in the G1 Japan Cup which will be simulcast to our fans during our Sunday meeting.
Tomorrow we host the Chevalier Cup meeting at Sha Tin, and I had my own experience with items of a “Chevalier” nature this week. On Tuesday, I was humbled to receive the title and rank of Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur from Mr Eric Berti, Consul General of France, for my appreciation of France, and my support and commitment in establishing and further developing the friendly links between France and Hong Kong. It was a great honour and privilege to receive this conferment.
As for our local feature, the eighth race of the day is the Class 1 Chevalier Cup at a mile with a good pace expected. Dashing Fellow, a front-running winner over Sun Jewellery in the Panasonic Cup two weeks ago, makes his first attempt at a mile and will have plenty of company establishing the tempo with Flame Hero, Multivictory and Precision King all likely to go forward from wide draws. Dashing Fellow is one of many talented horses that may be pointed to the Classic Mile in January so it will be interesting to monitor his performance here.
All You Wish won the Chevalier Cup last year and is my top selection to repeat. He had a very good trial with blinkers removed last week and should enjoy a good run from just behind midfield. He looks well prepared to defend his Chevalier title. Mr Gnocchi makes his second-up run of the season and improvement is expected as he returns to his preferred track. He is a place chance along with Got Fly, Kabayan and Santa Fe Sun. Redkirk Warrior, the favourite in last season's BMW Hong Kong Derby, makes his first appearance in eight months, and cannot be overlooked.
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