Bracing for a return to 2000m for the first time since the 2020 BMW Hong Kong Derby in the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday (21 February), Golden Sixty is primed to reproduce his best as he bids for a 13th successive victory, according to regular rider Vincent Ho.
Dismissing suggestions of building pressure, Ho retains a measured confidence Hong Kong’s benchmark galloper can again perform at elite levels against select opposition, headed by reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year, Exultant.
“He’s feeling well and we’re confident,” Ho said of Golden Sixty, who chases a 16th win from 17 starts for trainer Francis Lui.
Questioned about the star miler’s rise to 2000m for the first time in almost a year, Ho acknowledged Exultant’s presence, but remains steadfast in his belief Golden Sixty will still reel off phenomenal late sectionals.
“A mile and 2000m, I don’t think there’s a problem,” Ho said. “He can still sprint home over the last 400m in the same time.”
Having ridden Exultant in three races in 2018, Ho is respectful of Tony Cruz’s warhorse.
“Definitely, he’s the Horse of the Year and he’s one of the best stayers in Hong Kong so, for sure, this race is a good challenge but I’m still pretty confident with Golden Sixty,” he said.
Golden Sixty wins the G1 Stewards’ Cup.
“He’s (Exultant) one of the best stayers. He can maintain a high speed for 2000m, 2400m, so it’s (stamina) not a problem for him.
“He is a totally different horse to Golden Sixty. It’s going to be fun.”
Inevitably thrust into comparisons with the winning streaks of Australian champions Winx (33) and Black Caviar (25) and their respective jockeys, Hugh Bowman and Luke Nolen, Ho said he blunts expectation with a simple equation.
“After the last win, you start from zero so that way I don’t feel too much pressure. You just have to do your best and I know Golden Sixty will produce his best for sure,” Ho said. “You just have to concentrate on each race – every race is different.”
Alexis Badel will be among the challengers to Ho and Golden Sixty aboard 2020 BMW Hong Kong Derby runner-up Playa Del Puente.
“He has been working well this morning,” the Frenchman said. “The distance is good for him so I hope he can bounce back and do something.”
“But the horse seems to be coming along in the right way.”
Badel is hopeful John Size’s Champion’s Way can land the HK$12 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, the world’s richest 1400m contest, and second leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series.
“His last trial was very good and much better than the previous trial when I was on him initially,” Badel said. “The horse seems to have picked himself up - I hope that’s a good sign.”
The absence of recently retired Beauty Generation, winner of the last three editions of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, paves the way for a new victor.
Badel will also partner Healthy Happy for Frankie Lor in the HK$12 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series.
“His trial was pretty good, there is nothing wrong with the horse,” Badel said. “I think he had a few excuses last time (when seventh behind Excellent Proposal in the Hong Kong Classic Mile) - I don’t see any reason why he couldn’t give me something good.”
Badel is hopeful John Size’s Champion’s Way can land the HK$12 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, the world’s richest 1400m contest, and second leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series.
“His last trial was very good and much better than the previous trial when I was on him initially,” Badel said. “The horse seems to have picked himself up – I hope that’s a good sign.”
The absence of recently retired Beauty Generation, winner of the last three editions of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, paves the way for a new victor.
Badel will also partner Healthy Happy for Frankie Lor in the HK$12 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series.
“His trial was pretty good, there is nothing wrong with the horse,” Badel said. “I think he had a few excuses last time (when seventh behind Excellent Proposal in the Hong Kong Classic Mile) – I don’t see any reason why he couldn’t give me something good.”
