FWD QEII Cup
June Take
June Take conducted a final workout on the turf track with jockey Joao Moreira in the saddle, clocking 1m 18.4s (29.4, 25.7, 23.3) over 1200m.
Trainer Hidenori Take said: “After the exercise in the trotting ring, I instructed Joao to gradually pick up the pace from around 1200m, adjusting to the horse’s condition, and to finish in approximately 25 seconds. The horse had been in very good condition up to that point, with a strong appetite and a relaxed demeanour, so I told Joao to train the horse according to how he felt on the day. I also noted that it would be fine to push him in the final stretch, or to leave him as he was if the response was good.
“He moved nicely, and he showed smooth acceleration even after changing leads. When working alone, he can sometimes lose focus, but in races, he tends to become eager, so I believe being settled is a positive.
“Although the workout went as planned, there was some concern about the horse’s condition after the jockey dismounted. However, after returning to the stable, the horse was thoroughly examined by veterinarians and no issues were found. As this was likely his first time on a turf course and he was working alone, the unfamiliar surroundings and equipment might have distracted him. There were no problems with his legs, and overall the horse remained in good condition.”
Masquerade Ball
Masquerade Ball had a solid, fast work session on turf, clocking 1m 20.4s (30.5, 25.0, 24.9) over 1200m with trainer Takahisa Tezuka supervising him.
Trainer Tezuka said: “Although he was a bit edgy, his work went smoothly overall. As this will be his first race in five months, we have put in solid preparation in Japan, both in terms of workload and quality.
“After arriving in Hong Kong, he seemed slightly unsettled, perhaps due to the heat, so we instructed the work rider to go easier than originally planned today. He hasn’t often breezed alone at home, and it appeared that he might not fully focus without a partner. However, he is well-prepared, and I have no concerns about his condition.
“We are not particularly worried about racing right-handed, but with Hong Kong’s rainy season likely to produce softer ground, and the forecast suggesting unsettled weather over the weekend, that could be a challenge.
“He usually wears a pacifier, which is not permitted here, so we have been gradually weaning him off it in training, so I don’t expect it to be an issue on race day. He has matured not only physically but also mentally. Being a sensitive horse, we feel he has become more composed, and his core strength has improved compared to when he was three, which we see as a positive.
“Romantic Warrior is a true hero in Hong Kong, and we are the challengers here, but we hope to make it a competitive race and, if possible, make the most of the opportunity.”
Royal Champion
Royal Champion was sighted for the first time at trackwork. The G1 Neom Turf Cup (2100m) winner had his ears pricked and looked comfortable during a light circuit of the all-weather track.
Stable representative Jack Lander said: “He’s travelled very well. He’s very professional and he’s done it before in Bahrain and Saudi. He’s eight, so he’s done it all before. He’s got such a good attitude towards it all so it’s very handy to have a horse who takes it all in his stride. Hopefully, if he’s in the same form as his other international starts, he can put up a good fight.”
FWD Champions Mile
Docklands
The G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) fourth took to the all-weather track for the first time this week, leading Royal Champion in a steady piece of exercise. He arrives here fit after a win in the Listed Doncaster Mile (1600m) on 28 March.
Stable representative Laura Pike said: “He’s great, as always. He loves travelling and he knew where he was when he got off the horsebox. It was his first day out on track today just to freshen him up a bit. He was in the ring in the stables yesterday and Monday. This was just to freshen him up as usually he’s here for 10 days or more, whereas it’s only a week this time and he only ran recently. He just did a canter around. He’ll probably go on the grass on Friday.”
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar had a steady workout for 1200m on the turf track under his exercise rider Takashi Matsui, clocking 1m 18.9s (30.0, 27.4, 21.5) over 1200m.
Matsui said: “I am relieved that the workout was completed safely and that he was confirmed to be in good condition. I rode him aiming to maintain a pace of around 15 seconds per furlong from the six-furlong (1200m) mark, then asked him to accelerate smoothly without pushing too hard for the last 400 metres. His reaction was great and he moved beautifully.”
