Four Japanese runners continue FWD Champions Day preparation at Sha Tin

Four of Japan’s eight strong FWD Champions Day team stepped out at Sha Tin this morning with FWD Champions Mile contender Elton Barows working on the turf track while FWD QEII Cup hopeful Prognosis and Chairman’s Sprint Prize contenders Mad Cool and Sunrise Ronaldo cantered on the All Weather track.

Their compatriots Hishi Iguazu, Champagne Color, Obamburumai and North Bridge, along with British runners Dubai Honour, Brave Emperor and Believing, were confined to the quarantine station after arriving late on Sunday (21 April).

Elton Barows had a piece of easy work on the turf under his jockey Atsuya Nishimura.

The stable representative, Yuta Sato said: “He arrived in Hong Kong on Friday. The weather is hot here and there’s more humidity but, thanks to the huge support from The Hong Kong Jockey Club, all has gone well so far. After considering the ground condition on the All Weather track and that he can be spooky sometimes so he needs to get familiar with the new surroundings, we decided to work him on the turf.”

Prognosis worked one and a half laps on the All Weather track after which Yasunari Kiyoyama, assistant to trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida, said: “He has settled well and looks good. He will gallop on Wednesday.”

Northern Farm Shigaraki branch work rider Kimiyuki Shibata said Mad Cool “feels great” after his light workout (33.3 seconds) on the All Weather track while Sunrise Ronaldo’s assistant trainer Keiichiro Yasuda said his charge “was getting used to his new environment and is feeling good.”