With two Classics at Newmarket, plus the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, it would be easy to forget that the weekend also holds in store two other international races of great importance.
With two Classics at Newmarket, plus the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, it would be easy to forget that the weekend also holds in store two other international races of great importance.
Able Friend, the equal highest-rated horse in the world on latest published rankings, puts his reputation on the line in the Champions Mile at Sha Tin on Sunday. The John Moore-trained local champion faces three stablemates plus two runners from the John Size stable, one of which, Luger, is the recent Hong Kong Derby winner.
The winner of four races this season in Hong Kong, Able Friend was not his usual brilliant self when landing the latest of those victories, the Chairman's Trophy.
But trainer Moore is confident the son of successful Darley stallion Shamardal will show his old sparkle. "I couldn't have him fitter, nor could I have him looking any better. He is going into the race absolutely primed for the occasion. Now we'll see what happens on Sunday," he added.
There has been much speculation on plans for Able Friend after Sunday. Moore was quick to clarify that a trip to Britain in June was still very much a possibility.
"Win or lose at the weekend, so long as he runs well, and (owner) Dr (Cornel) Li is happy to make the journey, Able Friend will go to Royal Ascot," Moore said. The Queen Anne Stakes is his objective.
Godolphin's prolific winner Fractional faces six rivals in Sunday's Prix Ganay at Longchamp in a strong renewal. The winner of eight of 13 starts to date, the Andre Fabre-trained gelding was ninth of 10 runners in his most recent outing, the Prix d'Harcourt, over a mile and a quarter in heavy ground at Longchamp.
The winner of last year's Prix Dollar (after a Stewards Inquiry) will be looking to step up on his two runs this campaign.
Al Kazeem, Cirrus Des Aigles and We Are are also in a star-studded line-up for such an early season contest.
