FWD QEII Cup

CALIF (BHR)
Came out alongside his countryman Goemon and completed a lap of the all-weather track in slightly quicker fashion than in previous days.

EL VENCEDOR (NZ)
Galloped on the turf proper with Zac Purton in the saddle, clocking 1m 23.9s (30.5, 29.9, 23.5) over 1200m.

Trainer Stephen Marsh said: “All happy. It was good to have Zac on today to get a feel for him.  As you can see, he has got a massive grandstand to look at here and it took him a little while to get going but once he got going, he is still not fully concentrating.

“Now he has had that good look, it will bring him on beautifully and that’s all he really wanted.”

GOLIATH (FR)
Completed his usual lap of the all-weather track at a steady pace, clocking 29.0s over the final 400m.

Travelling head lad Anthony David said: “He did the same as previous days. He just needs a steady canter every day. The rider knows the horse perfectly and he knows when Goliath needs anything different. We’re very happy this morning and Goliath is perfect. The turf is very firm and the dirt track is perfect in the mornings, so he won’t go on the turf.”

TASTIERA (JPN)
Tastiera galloped for 800m on turf, clocking 54.3s (28.3, 26.0) under his regular work rider Tomohiro Takahashi, who said: “The horse remained calm throughout and moved smoothly without getting overly eager. He maintained a good rhythm and responded well, just as we had envisioned. Everything is progressing smoothly.”

FWD Champions Mile

GOEMON (BHR) 
Strong-looking grey again completed a lap of the all-weather track but was asked for a little more speed in the home straight than in previous days, clocking 55.5s (32.5, 23.0) over 800m.

Haider Shaheen: “He was very good. We’re still deciding if he’ll go on the turf. It depends on the weather – if it’s raining too much and the all-weather track gets muddy then we’ll go on the grass. Today he had a fast jog.”

MR BRIGHTSIDE (AUS)
Did some strong striding work on the all-weather track, clocking 26.8s over 400m.

Co-trainer Ben Hayes said: “It was really good work. I will think about what we do tomorrow. He was feeling fresh this morning. He is happy and coming on nicely.”

ROYAL PATRONAGE (AUS)
Worked on the all-weather track.

Co-trainer Adrian Bott said: “He wasn’t out there to do much this morning. It was nice slow work for him and he was just out there to stretch the legs and he may still do a little bit more work (grass gallop) tomorrow and we’ll just see how he pulls up from today. We just sort of take it as it comes and it’s just been sort of finding our way since we arrived with him. He seems in good shape. He has come over fit and well.”

Chairman’s Sprint Prize

SATONO REVE (JPN)
Satono Reve galloped for 800m on turf with Joao Moreira on board, clocking 53.6s (27.9 25.7) 800m.

“Today’s gallop wasn’t about time, but rather about checking the horse’s overall feel and condition. His footwork, rhythm, and eagerness to run were all very good, and he’s in great shape. We’re looking forward to taking on strong competition this Sunday.”