FWD QEII Cup
GOLIATH (FR)
The first overseas runner to make his appearance today, Goliath had a light canter on the all-weather course, clocking 29.0s over 400m.
LIBERTY ISLAND (JPN)
Liberty Island and Prognosis had an easy canter on the all-weather track. Liberty Island clocked 1m02.5s (33.0, 29.5) over 800m.
Mitsumasa Nakauchida, who supervised the two, said: “Regarding Liberty Island, we expect her run in Dubai to help bring her condition up. She races better at 2000 metres. Her condition has improved after that last race, so the interval between races is ideal. We’ll discuss with the jockey from here on, taking into account the track condition on race day and her outside draw.”
PROGNOSIS (JPN)
Liberty Island and Prognoais had an easy canter on the all-weather track
Mitsumasa Nakauchida, who supervised the two, said: “Prognosis has got used to travelling to Hong Kong. He’s become more comfortable with changes in environment, so his training has been going smoothly without any issues. The reason why I have brought him here (QEII) is because both the 2000m trip and timing suit him best, and we believe this is when he can perform at his peak.”
TASTIERA (JPN)
Tastiera and Satono Reve hacked for 1000m, jogged for 400m and cantered for 1400m on the all-weather track before they went to the paddock area for familiarisation.
FWD Champions Mile
GAIA FORCE (JPN)
Lugal and Gaia Force had a final preparation on the all-weather track.
Trainer Haruki Sugiyama said: “Gaia Force was able to gallop in terms of speed and the amount of work what he needed on Wednesday, so saving his energy and keep his good condition for the race is our main focus. He seems to understand the race is approaching—he’s showing signs of tightening up. Although he has lost a bit of weight, he’s been eating well, so we’re not concerned. The constant presence of Lugal with him has definitely had a positive impact.”
GOEMON (BHR)
Goemon had a light canter on the all-weather course, clocking 30.4s over 400m.
Chairman’s Sprint Prize
A SHIN FENCER (JPN)
A Shin Fencer had a final canter on the all-weather track.
Trainer Keiji Yoshimura said: “I’m pleased that she has been relaxed and composed. All has gone smoothly and as planned. Although the race will be tough to compete, she has been running very well and showing more upward curve in recent three starts, so I hope she runs her best.”
DANON MCKINLEY (JPN)
Danon McKinley cantered for a lap on the all-weather track.
Trainer Hideaki Fujiwara said: “Since this race comes after the Dubai campaign, the most important thing is that the horse is feeling well and in good health—and we’ve cleared that hurdle. He’s been training well in his daily routines and gallop, and his final preparation has also gone smoothly and calmly. Everything has progressed according to plan, and we believe he’ll be able to race in very good condition.”
LUGAL (JPN)
Lugal and Gaia Force had a final preparation on the all-weather track.
Trainer Haruki Sugiyama said: “As for Lugal, this is his second trip to Hong Kong, so we feel at ease watching him. He’s been very calm and composed.”
SATONO REVE (JPN)
Satono Reve and Tastiera hacked for 1000m, jogged for 400m and cantered for 1400m on the all-weather track before they went to the paddock area for familiarisation.
The work rider of Satono Reve, Ryusuke Saito said: “He continues to be energetic and in good condition. Up until yesterday, he was perhaps a bit too spirited and showed signs of over-excitement, but today he was much calmer, and his mental and physical balance seems to be coming together. We’ll keep supporting him and make sure he stays settled all the way through the paddock on race day.”
