As always, I made a pleasant trip to France for the Arc and our annual IFHA meetings with fellow industry executives from around the globe.
While it proved not to be the day for Postponed, Makahiki or Harzand, it was an extremely special Arc for Aidan O’Brien. The Irish training maestro saddled an unbelievable one-two-three finish with Found, Highland Reel and Order Of St George, the first trainer to do so in the Arc. There were many occasions in recent years when O’Brien dominated in top races in his homeland in Ireland or nearby England. He has been very successful in the Breeders’ Cup, and of course, landed a first win in Hong Kong last December in the Vase. But it was truly a feat to achieve such a trio in the Arc, and it is no wonder O’Brien himself described it as the best moment of his career after the race. I hope we can see more of his talented runners in Hong Kong this December.
Compared to those established stars who shone in the Arc, we enjoyed two rising talents – Amazing Kids and Joyful Trinity – who formally presented themselves in the elite ranks, scoring their first HK pattern success in the National Day Cup and Celebration Cup. They both won their respective races in an impressive manner, showing they still have plenty of upside. I will continue to track their progress before they are to turn up in the two G2 events in a fortnight’s time and also before our Jockey Club Races next month.
We will welcome back Oktoberfest tonight at Happy Valley. One of our most popular events among the many Happy Wednesdays themed meetings, it will be the first of four consecutive Wednesdays of Oktoberfest. Racegoers can enjoy special German food treats and many games and Oktoberfest-themed activities on course. I hope you will fully soak up the Bavarian atmosphere and enjoy yourself at the racecourse!
For the eight races on the card, the seventh race is the Kwoon Chung Bus Cup, a Class 3 handicap over 1,650 metres of the A course, and we have a full field of 12 runners. Kingsfield has led in each of his last two starts at Sha Tin and is likely to go forward again, while Super Fluke has also been forwardly placed. Neither have to go too fast in this field to secure the positions they want, so the projected pace is good to slow. Ka Ying Kid and Ten Flames are both likely to track the lead. I think Mr Potential could sit just off the pace today given the shape of this field. Red Marvel should have a good spot midfield on the rail, with King Of Mongolia behind. The Sylph will likely be off the pace, particularly with his wide draw.
It is notable that Joao Moreira now takes the ride on Kingsfield following his third placing behind Pakistan Star. His work has been good and well-drawn in this race, and is my main win and place chance. Vara Pearl has had two starts this season over shorter trips and should be a fitter prospect over the 1,650 and is another win and place hope for me. Super Fluke has been quite consistent and is a placing hope yet again with King of Mongolia, who adds blinkers for this race, and Mr Potential.
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