Make no mistake, the news that Almond Eye will not be coming to Hong Kong to compete at the LONGINES HKIR next week was not what any of us wanted to wake up to on Saturday morning.
But these things happen and, when you set something like this in the context of the challenges everyone in Hong Kong has faced this year, it really does put things into clear perspective.
Anyone who has spent any time around racehorses knows about their beauty and power. But, by the same token, they are also highly tuned individuals who can prove susceptible to last-minute setbacks just like any other elite athlete.
Almond Eye delighted her connections with a final gallop at the Miho training centre early on Wednesday morning but she was found to have an elevated temperature just before her intended flight from Tokyo and connections have therefore decided to play safe and withdraw.
There is no question that this is a disappointment to a lot of people, starting with her the many people close to her and also including racing fans all over the world and a lot of people at the Club who worked hard to make Hong Kong her preferred destination this December.
But HKIR has bounced back from some high-profile withdrawals in the past.
The mighty Silent Witness was being prepared for his third consecutive Hong Kong Sprint win in 2005 when he was withdrawn in the week of the race a disappointing workout and the star Australian sprinter Takeover Target missed the Sprint the following year after returning a positive test on raceday itself.
Other stars emerged to steal the show in those years – exceptional horses like Vengeance Of Rain, Pride and Ouija Board – and I have no doubt that something similar will happen this time around.
We wish Almond Eye’s connections well and hope to see her in Hong Kong in the future, but for now we need to re-set our sights and focus on what is ahead.
Friday morning at Sha Tin was very important for some of Hong Kong’s main HKIR hopes.
Beat The Clock, Mr Stunning, Hot King Prawn, Waikuku and Rise High were among a host of high-class horses going through their paces in barrier trials, while the final international challengers flying in this weekend include Aidan O’Brien’s Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck and the globetrotting Deirdre.
Add in Beauty Generation, Exultant, Aethero and an incredibly strong list of riders for Wednesday’s International Jockeys’ Challenge at Happy Valley and there is still so much to look forward to.
Racing in Hong Kong has always been a very resilient sport. It has shown as much many times, especially in recent months, and it will do so again as we move into our most important week of the year.
Moving on to Sunday’s Sha Tin action, the Class 3 Peninsula Golden Jubilee Challenge Cup at 1000m is the seventh race of the day with Hong Kong Win and Baltic Success going forward to set a fast pace. Flying Sword, Allied Agility, California Gungho and Stronger will be positioned in the next flight.
This is an interesting race with many chances. Duke Wai was an impressive winner of his last start when he added blinkers and overcame a slow beginning to post a last-to-first win over the course and distance. It was a huge effort and he now steps up in class as a place chance in his current form.
Super Junior is also a last-start winner and has a good record over the course and distance. He figures to get a good run from behind midfield and is a win and place chance to repeat at good odds. The pace scenario should benefit his running style along with Massive Pocket, a close second to Super Junior on his latest start and also a place chance.
Hong Kong Win will show his usual good speed and is a place chance along with California Gungho.
Comment
