Four-time New Zealand Group 1 winner El Vencedor is ready to take on the world’s best in Sunday’s (27 April) HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) after overcoming a minor issue since arriving in Hong Kong.
He had treatment for a burst abscess on his left-hind hoof and monitored by veterinary staff who have given the gelding the all clear to take his place in the 11-horse field.
Kiwi trainer Stephen Marsh was happy with the gelding’s gallop on the course proper on Thursday (24 April) with Zac Purton in the saddle and hopes he will repeat the form that has netted him Group 1 victories in all of his last three starts in New Zealand. Two have been at 2000m and the other at 1600m.
“He has had just one little minor setback with an abscess in his hind foot and we have been getting him 100 per cent sound and he is fine,” Marsh said.
“He is fit and when we got him over here we knew it would be basically maintenance work only and we are happy with that. He has tightened up with the trip and he is a big, robust horse.”
Purton said El Vencedor was obviously in form with victories in his past four races which started with a Listed 1500m win at Ellerslie on 1 February.
“He has been racing very consistently at a higher level and can go left or right-handed, can handle different types of ground, so he is versatile,” he said.
Purton said it appears that Sunday’s race might be a step-up in class for El Vencedor with the Japanese horses always strong and a little but underrated with their international ratings not quite matching their abilities.
“They don’t always get the recognition that they probably deserve,” he said. “And with Goliath coming, he is an interesting horse as well and he has obviously got exceptional form and looks a standout if he brings his best form.
“He is probably better suited to a mile and half (2400m) than a mile and quarter (2000m), so it will give us a bit of a chance anyway.”