Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup
AL AIN (JPN)
Remained in the quarantine area, working in the trotting ring.
Assistant trainer Shin Otose said: “He came through his gallop on the turf yesterday in good order. He looks happy today.”
DANBURITE (JPN)
Stayed in the quarantine barns, stretching his legs in the trotting ring.
Assistant trainer Seiichi Hamada said: “He looks good this morning. Al Ain is also in the same stable area, they are just across the barn from one another, and that seems to make him happier – he’s more relaxed with company.”
TIME WARP (HK)
Took to the small all-weather track for one lap in company with stablemates and fellow Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup runners Pakistan Star and Gold Mount.
Trainer Tony Cruz said: “He’s been very well since that last race, he pulled up fine and I’m very happy with him – he’s spot on for this race.”
Champions Mile
BEAUTY GENERATION (HK)
Cantered one lap of Sha Tin’s small all-weather track under trainer John Moore’s assistant Terry Wong.
Moore said: “I’ve just taken him along quietly into the race, no trial, he’s a very fit horse. He’s freshened up and kicking his brand off – he’ll have a light work on the grass on Thursday with Zac Purton and I’m sure he’s going to run a big race on the weekend.”
SOUTHERN LEGEND (HK)
Took to the turf for a 1200m gallop with stablemate Joyful Trinity. Clocked 1m 14.9s (26.1, 25.5, 23.3) for the hit-out.
Trainer Caspar Fownes said: “He was coming off a sub-standard trial last Friday, but he seems to have bounced back so we’re just going to make sure everything’s OK. On face value, though, I’m very happy. He worked really well.”
WESTERN EXPRESS (HK)
Trialled over 1200m on the Sha Tin all-weather track. Hopped at the start, settled beyond midfield under Sam Clipperton. Saved ground, sped through under a hold to finish a neck second.
Clipperton said: “He’s not out of it, certainly not on his last run, and he’s with the right man in John Size.”
Chairman’s Sprint Prize
AMAZING KIDS (HK)
Trialled over 1200m on the Sha Tin all-weather track. Missed the start, driven through by Olivier Doleuze to sit outside the lead before finding the line under his own steam. Finished two and a quarter lengths away in fifth.
BLUE POINT (UAE)
Hacked a circuit of the dirt track with rider Giuseppe Bussu in the saddle at his first appearance outside of the quarantine stables.
Sophie Chretien, assistant to trainer Charlie Appleby, said: “He arrived over on Sunday lunch time, he travelled great with a stable companion, Bravo Zolo. So far so good, really; he enjoyed his flight, there wasn’t one bead of sweat on him, it was perfect, the best you could imagine. We’ve been really happy with his preparation. He just had a leg stretch today, he did one lap of the dirt track doing a nice strong hack. Yesterday he only had a jog just to get used to the new place.
“He’s been great since Dubai, it was just a bad day for him, something you don’t expect, but we had to deal with it. We’ve kept his training normal and he’s actually been very happy since. Nothing is against him so far. He’s a very classy horse, he deserves a Group 1 and I hope he gets it on Sunday. Charlie will be over here later in the week.”
FINE NEEDLE (JPN)
Remained in the quarantine area today, working in the trotting ring.
The assistant trainer Yoshinori Unoki said: “He has acquainted himself with his new surroundings here. He seems to like it here in Hong Kong and he is holding his form.”
Before a barrier trial fall this morning, jockey Tommy Berry said: “I’m going to ride him tomorrow morning (Wednesday) and jump on my other Japanese runner Danburite on Thursday morning. I am delighted to pick up these two rides. I’ve had a couple of three-month stints in Japan and got to know the owners and trainers. Together with my manager in Japan, Adam Harrigan, we’ve been able to secure these rides, and I’m looking forward to Sunday.”
IVICTORY (HK)
Completed one round of the small all-weather track.
Jockey Zac Purton said: “I’m really pleased to pick up the ride. I rode him in a 1050m trial last week and he went really well. Obviously, he’s untapped this horse. Maybe it’s bit soon for him, maybe he’ll be best in six months’ time, but we have an even group of sprinters and you could say the door’s open for him.”
LUCKY BUBBLES (HK)
Galloped on the all-weather track under raceday rider Brett Prebble, recording 54.3s (29.5, 24.8) for 800m.
