Global Weekly Preview: Crowds drawn to renowned international races

The flame of international racing burns brighter than ever, as seen this weekend when a variety of interesting action is scheduled in New Zealand, South Africa and Hong Kong.

As racing nations, all three are vibrant and provide big-race entertainment that brings in the crowds, something that remains a challenge for all racecourses in the current era.

Sadly, these days the G3 Wellington Cup rarely produces the star stayers, who go on to become G1 Melbourne Cup contenders. But because the race remains 3,200m, there is always the hope the extreme distance may uncover another dimension in a promising horse.

Alinko Prince was just beaten in a 'two-miler' at Trentham early last month and then went on to win the Listed Marton Cup, over 2,200m, which itself is often a pointer to staying potential.

He and the proven Mister Impatience are on the short list, along with the mare Echezeaux.

On the same card, a full field of 18 will face the starter in the G1 Telegraph Handicap, 1,200m, and one of the features is that Melbourne-based Odyssey Moon tries to reverse a trend by flying to Wellington to contest this competitive sprint.

Usually it is one-way traffic, with the New Zealanders heading to Australia with anything that looks more than useful. This time, the home team appear strong. Start Wondering and Perfect Fit, first and second in the G1 Railway Stakes at Ellerslie last month, are again ready to play an important part, along with the promising First Serve, who is seven wins from nine starts.

In Cape Town, four Group 1 races will be run at Kenilworth, including the G1 Sun Met, for which 15 have been declared. This is one of the most popular race days in South Africa, and a huge crowd is expected at this fine racecourse.

The G1 Investec Cape Derby is also run on the same card. Frankie Dettori is making a guest appearance, riding The Conglomerate in the Met for trainer Joey Ramsden.

The other international feature this weekend is Sunday's Listed Hong Kong Classic Mile, in which Pakistan Star is to be ridden by former British champion Silvestre de Sousa. 

John Moore sends out seven of the 14 runners in the Mile, with Tommy Berry booked for Eagle Way, who was a first-up winner for the trainer at Sha Tin on International Raceday last month and is very well regarded.