Hong Kong stages one of the world's truly international race meetings at Sha Tin on Sunday, and Godolphin are proud to be part of it. This attractive card, sponsored by Longines, brings the curtain down on a truly memorable year in world racing.
Hong Kong stages one of the world's truly international race meetings at Sha Tin on Sunday, and Godolphin are proud to be part of it. This attractive card, sponsored by Longines, brings the curtain down on a truly memorable year in world racing.
A total of 29 horses from seven countries have been shipped for the week. No expense has been spared, and there is a general end-of-term feel to the occasion.
Toormore carries the hopes of Godolphin in the G1 Mile which could easily be the highlight of the entire day.
The Japanese contingent are as strong has I have seen in the past decade, and Maurice, the mount of Ryan Moore, will be a worthy rival for local champion Able Friend, again to be partnered by Joao Moreira.
Both have drawn a little wide, so tactics in the early part of the race will be crucial. Able Friend was beaten last time out but had no luck in running. He is again the one to beat in a cracking renewal that could long be a talking point.
Staying should be the name of the game in the G1 Hong Kong Vase, over 2,400m, but often this race develops into a sit and sprint. Flintshire, last year's winner, again has the best credentials, having won at Saratoga prior to another excellent second in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.
He will again run well, but Sir Michael Stoute has Cannock Chase in top form for this late-season assignment, and one senses the four-year-old is now maturing and rapidly on the improve. The much-travelled Highland Reel, third in the Cox Plate, will benefit from the step up in trip.
The G1 Hong Kong Sprint presents Gold-Fun with a great chance of winning at this meeting. Twice runner-up in the G1 Mile, he has found his niche since coming back in trip to 1,200. Well drawn, with Christophe Soumillon aboard, he looks the major player, with veteran Sole Power as a danger.
The G1 Hong Kong Cup, over 2,000m is the richest race on the card, and an opportunity for trainer Dermot Weld to land another major international, with the talented Free Eagle.
The much-travelled Criterion looks very well and is set to make his presence felt, as too is Gailo Chop, the G1 Mackinnon Stakes winner at Flemington.
