I had a fruitful, albeit short trip to England for the final day of Royal Ascot and had the opportunity to speak with many key European connections while taking in the exciting races, including meeting the Coolmore and Godolphin connections. Given these early discussions, there is significant interest among them and many others for our LONGINES Hong Kong International Races in December.
The last week of racing highlighted the great quality of the 2016 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase. Following the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes win from Highland Reel on Wednesday, it was Vase graduate Big Orange who landed the Ascot Gold Cup on Thursday. On Sunday, our Takarazuka Kinen simulcast saw Vase winner Satono Crown earn Group 1 glory again with his first such win on home soil. That made three Group 1 wins in six days for three overseas visitors from our Vase runners, an impressive feat.
At Sha Tin Horse Of Fortune and Thewizardofoz became the winners of our last two pattern races of the season. I was very happy to see Thewizardofoz returned to his winning ways in the Premier Cup. It proved that he’s a very good 1400m horse and his final split of 21.68 seconds was exceptional.
The day’s another focus went to Premier Plate runner Pakistan Star, as this star horse refused to race and stopped shortly after the start. It was a unique and unfortunate incident, as even a most experienced rider like Joao was totally surprised by his move. Horses have their own character, and it is pretty clear that Pakistan Star has a few quirks, which will hopefully be handled in time by his trainer Tony Cruz over the summer. I hope this incident will not impact his future as his performances in the Hong Kong Classic Cup and BMW Hong Kong Derby, as well as the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup make it clear he is a very talented horse.
Tonight we will host our penultimate race meeting at Happy Valley this season. Among the eight races on the card is the Class 2 Hoi Ha Handicap which goes as race seven over 1650m of the C+3 track, a course which tends to give horses racing forward a slight advantage. The pace is expected to be good with Time Warp, who led over 1800m in his last start and despite the shorter trip, and is likely to have the pace to lead and cross from an outer barrier. Pikachu might be forwardly placed after a successful barrier trial from the front at Sha Tin, though has to deal with a wide draw. Both Classic Emperor and Big Bang Bong are likely to race close behind the speed, while Speedy Longwah can be forward and might be at risk of getting a wide trip. Sergeant Titanium should settle midfield with Little Dragon and Mr Genuine behind. Super Chic and Let Us Win will be near the rear with Chater Legend and Inventor.
Time Warp is keeping his form in training and with the good position he is likely to take up in this race, is a win and place chance, although with some reservations having to go back in distance. The same applies for Big Bang Bong who is working very well. He started awkwardly last time, and with Joao Moreira on board is my first choice in an open competition. Classic Emperor’s form is improving and being well-positioned should help him have a good chance to be, at least, in the first three. The same applies for Let Us Win and Super Chic, who will have to come from the back of the field.
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