NOTE: Santa Ana Lane, Eminent and Enzo’s Lad worked at 3.30 am (before the local horses and other international horses) under quarantine protocols set for horses arriving from Australia.
FWD QEII Cup
DEIRDRE – JPN
Deirdre worked for an hour in the trotting ring at the Quarantine Stables.
Trainer Mitsuru Hashida said: “In terms of speed and the amount work, since she arrived here she has put more into training than she did in Dubai. She was very fresh and was a bit edgy yesterday, so she did an easy work to stretch her legs in the trotting ring. After the breeze she was more loose because she moved a bit stiff on the track which was harder than expected. She is a proven shipper and is familiar with travelling.”
LYS GRACIEUX – JPN
Lys Gracieux had been scheduled to work on turf this morning but switched to the all-weather instead.
Trainer Yoshito Yahagi said about shifting his plan: “It all depended on the weather this morning. If it rained I would have worked her on turf, but it didn’t.
“She moved very soundly and nicely and was able to change her leads smoothly. She is really fit and ready. I am very confident of her chances in the race this time. As mentioned before, the starting gate will be the key, so I would like to have a communication with the stall handler too.”
WIN BRIGHT – JPN
Win Bright cantered easily on the all-weather track and again looked keen for action.
Trainer Yoshihiro Hatakeyama said: “I told the rider to keep him in a rhythm and relaxed – to be patient. The rider said he felt good and he is the same as he is at home. He has only been tested on firm and good track surfaces in Japan and I believe he will cope with the track, which needs some power. There is no concern about the starting gate, he always jumps well from the gate, so hopefully he won’t be boxed in and can take a good forward spot from the first turn until the top of the backstretch. The jockey (Matsuoka) has ridden him in all his races but one. He knows the horse very well. I trust he will give him his best right to the finish.”
CHAIRMAN’S SPRINT PRIZE
ENZO’S LAD – NZ
Galloped on the turf track this morning and breezed home the last 200m.
HKJC consultant Mark Player who has accompanied connections at track work this week said: “He looked well and Michael (Pitman) often gives his runners a little breeze-up the day before a race. He’s passed his vet check this morning as have Eminent and Santa Ana Lane so they’re all ready to go.”
NAC VENUS – JPN
Nac Venus jogged for two laps and cantered for one and half laps on the all-weather track.
Work rider Hirokimi Tamogi said: “Since she got here she has settled into the surroundings, is in a good mood and is as relaxed as she is at home. She can go into the race a fit horse. As you know, it is her first time racing overseas, there are many unfamiliar things but she will give her best.”
SANTA ANA LANE – AUS
Galloped on the all-weather track.
Sam Freedman, assistant trainer, said: “Yes, all’s good with him. He just stretched his legs on the all-weather track this morning.”
VIDDORA – AUS
Cantered a lap of the all-weather track.
Trainer Lloyd Kennewell said: “She’s improved again over the last 24 hours and she moved very freely this morning with her action well balanced which was good to see. So now it’s just a case of waiting for the final vet clearance this morning and hoping everything goes smoothly between now and tomorrow’s race.”
Viddora passed the vet this morning and received clearance to race on Sunday.
