Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races
 

December 10th, one of the greatest days of racing.....


World stars of the Turf to grace Cathay Pacific HKIR 2006
22 November 2006
(Hong Kong Jockey Club Press release - no author listed)


The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races 2006 will draw several of the biggest names in world racing to Sha Tin on December 10.

Hong Kong's premier sporting event numbers 33 international entries, including 18 individual international Gr.1 winners of a combined 39 Gr.1 races from nine countries outside Hong Kong. This year the four international Gr.1 races are worth a record HK$62m (approx. US$8m) in stakes.

"We are very much looking forward to our most important meeting, the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races. We feel that the quality and global diversity of the fields is such that Sha Tin will stage the Turf World Championships on the second Sunday in December and we guarantee a unique day of world class racing entertainment that just cannot be missed," said Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Executive Director of Racing.

The Major Players

Ouija Board - The first dual winner of both the Cartier European Horse of the Year award and Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Hong Kong race fans will witness the final start of a brilliant career that has yielded seven Gr.1 successes.
Pride - The world's top-ranked mare having easily won the Champion Stakes after an unlucky second in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. She too will retire after her second CXHK Cup attempt.
Takeover Target - The world's top-ranked sprinter on turf is already successful in the Global Sprint Challenge and chases a US$1m bonus with victory in the CXHK Sprint.
Mandesha - Europe's Champion 3yo Filly this season after an impressive trio of consecutive Gr.1 victories.
Bullish Luck - Hong Kong's Horse of the Year and champion miler in the Asian Racing Federation having won two legs of the Asian Mile Challenge last term.
Vengeance Of Rain - Defending Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup champion and winner of the 2005 World Racing Championship.
Alexander Goldrun - Five-time Gr.1 scorer whose finest hour came with a narrow win in the Cup two years ago.
Song Of Wind - Classic winner in Japan this season - his St Leger triumph last month denied Meisho Samson the Triple Crown.


The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase

Gr.1 - 2400m - HK$14m (US$1.8m)

This is truly a World Championship event: horses from six turf authorities are led by a truly amazing mare that has won a European Horse of the Year crown, Breeders' Cup and a Classic not just once - she has done the lot twice. Next we have four Classic winners of St Legers in England, Ireland and Japan. It's worth noting that France and Britain have dominated the Vase with five wins apiece.

Preparing for what is scheduled to be the final start of a phenomenal career (and her third run in Hong Kong in 12 months), superstar mare OuijaBoard returns to the scene of her very dominant success in 2005. She has managed to raise her game even higher this season and last week was voted Europe's Horse of the Year for a second time - the first horse to do so. Dual Breeders' Cup winners are extremely rare and with seven career Gr.1 victories, she fully deserves her place in the pantheon of the great mares. Ouija Board runs in the Japan Cup this weekend.

Runner-up in last year's Irish Derby and winner of the St Leger at Doncaster and the Grand Prix de Paris, the Aidan O'Brien-trained Scorpion is genuine Classic performer. He is bidding for a first win in Hong Kong for the world famous Ballydoyle stable.

Shamdalaran fourth in this race last season but has improved this term to lift the Gr.1 Gran Premio di Milano, while the Aga Khan's other Vase runner, Kastoria, trained in Ireland by John Oxx, goes from strength to strength and ran out a convincing winner of the Irish St Leger in September.

The remarkable, globetrotting Collier Hill triumphed in the previous edition of the Irish St Leger and clashed with Kastoria last month in Toronto and came out on top in the Canadian International, his second success at the highest grade.

Stay Gold scored Japan's only victory in this event in 2001, although Six Sense, a 3yo, did best of the rest last year behind the mighty Ouija Board. The world has witnessed the vigour of Japanese horses in many of the world's best staying races in 2006 and therefore we are entitled to expect bold runs from two of the country's top three-year-olds: Song Of Wind, winner of the Japanese St Leger last time, and Admire Main, third on the latter occasion and previously the runner-up in the Japanese Derby.

Like Ouija Board, the French mare Freedonia contests this Sunday's Japan Cup and her best run this season earned a Gr.2 prize at Deauville, although she had no luck in the Prix Vermeille against Cup runner Mandesha. Connections recently cast the net wider in search of a breakthrough Gr.1 when she ran second in the Joe Hirsch Invitational at Belmont Park.

Egerton, from Germany,has top class form over 2400m. He has finished runner-up in his country's most prestigious race, the Gr.1 Grosser Preis von Baden, and recently filled the same position in the Gr.1 Preis von Europa. He also won at Gr.2 level over 2200m in July.

Only once in 12 years has a Hong Kong horse lifted the Vase and given the strength of the opposition, the odds appear stacked against the home team. The in-form Saturn, a course and distance winner in the Queen Mother Memorial Cup at Gr.3 level, leads the way, while Syllabus' rise though the local ranks is rewarded with a first international position.

The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint

Gr.1 - 1200m - HK$12m (US$1.53m)

For the first time, the distance of the Sprint increases to 1200m. This bold initiative is rewarded with the fastest horses from five countries, including five Gr.1 winners, accepting invitations for the finale of the Global Sprint Challenge. Hong Kong has dominated the Sprint in recent years but, with an evenly balanced field of seven home-based runners against as many from abroad, this is perhaps the best chance for an overseas victory since Falvelon succeeded for Australia in 2000 and 2001.

The world's top-ranked turf sprinter, Takeover Target is just one win from an impossible dream. To just take part in four Gr.1 sprints in three continents in a year is an achievement in itself. But to win in three continents and be on the verge of a US$1m bonus is nothing short of phenomenal. Joe Janiak¡¦s speed machine has settled in well at Sha Tin and will be in tip-top order for the big race, his sixth appearance in the seven Global Sprint Challenge legs.

Red Oog is another strong challenger from Australia - he has won two Gr.1 races in a most competitive sprint environment and he will be a first runner in Hong Kong for Joe Pride, a protege of Hong Kong's champion trainer, John Size.

British-trained runners have failed to finish better than fourth in this event and Desert Lord, Benbaun and Red Clubs are charged with setting that record straight in 2006. Desert Lord won Europe¡¦s most prestigious sprint, the Prix de l¡¦Abbaye, in October on the same day as the consistent Benbaun finished fifth in the Sprinters' Stakes in Japan.

The Barry Hills-trained Red Clubs scored in the Gr.2 Diadem Stakes at Ascot in September. Now the three-year-old will use the CXHK Sprint as a platform to what appears as a bright future in Europe's best sprints.

The American Fast Parade is another very speedy young gun. He recently won the Nearctic Stakes (Gr.2-1200m) and previously set a track record at Del Mar. Fast Parade seeks to go one better than his compatriot Morluc, twice edged out in this race in 2000 and 2001.

Silent Witness (twice) and Natural Blitz have kept this race at home for the past three years. The former is not the unbeatable force he once was, but still commands plenty of respect. Natural Blitz, on the other hand, will have to transfer his excellent short-course form to the new distance of 1200m.

The remainder of the Hong Kong challenge is potent, to say the least. Scintillation has contested the last two editions of the CXHK Mile but he is also a Gr.1 winning sprinter and made a satisfactory reappearance in the CX International Sprint Trial won by Able Prince, third in this race 12 months ago. Able Prince is best fresh and will enter the Sprint after a relatively light preparation; trainer John Moore believes he is capable of further improvement.

Up-and-coming sprinter Down Town is the new kid on the block locally in this division and he delivered an excellent performance to get within a neck of Able Prince in the November 19 trial to fully merit his inclusion. He is expected to be better suited to six furlongs.

Top class sprinter-miler, Sunny Sing, a Gr.1 winner, completes the local speed contingent. Last year he carried off the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Classic Mile but he also has abundant pace, proven by his success in the Gr.3 Sha Tin Sprint Trophy first up this campaign.

Japan sends two runners for the one CXHKIR race in Hong Kong it has yet to win. Leading the charge is She Is Tosho, the comfortable winner of the 5th leg of the Global Sprint Challenge, the Centaur Stakes, from Takeover Target. The other contender from across the East China Sea is MeishoBowler, runner-up in the Sprinters Stakes and twice a Pattern race winner over this distance in his homeland.

Part 2.....

(Long, I know, but hey.....) :cool:

The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile

Gr.1 - 1600m - HK$16m (US$2m)

Asia's premier turf mile has attracted horsesfrom six jurisdictions and, reflecting local excellence in this division is the only international race where Hong Kong horses outweigh overseas opposition. The mile is the benchmark of racing excellence in Asia and Bullish Luck, the Asian Mile Challenge champion, headlines the field.

Bullish Luck is the top-ranked member of the field thanks to his memorable double in the Asian Mile Challenge earlier in the year when he won the Champions Mile and the Yasuda Kinen in such devastating fashion. He was unlucky not to win the CXHK Cup in 2004 and ran fourth in this race last season.

Highest-rated of the foreign raiders is Ramonti from Italy, who has never been out of the quinella in his homeland and numbers the Gr.1 Premio Vittorio di Capua among his conquests. Ex-Italian champions such as Falbrav and Rakti have performed very well at this meeting in recent times and this is Ramonti's opportunity to match those feats.

Two of America's best turf milers will also take chance. Becrux (who also began his career in Italy) is now based in California and in September travelled to Toronto to lift the Gr.1 Woodbine Mile (formerly the Atto Mile) by a neck from Rebel Rebel, another ex-European and the 2000 Guineas runner-up last year.

Mustameet represents Ireland in the form of his life having picked up a very impressive five black-type races in 2006, reflecting veteran trainer Kevin Prendergast's best season for many a year.

Meanwhile Satchem will try to emulate Firebreak, Godolphin's CXHK Mile winner of 2004. The consistent Satchem has not finished out of the frame in his last five runs, picking up a Gr.3 along the way.

Japan's finest female miler, Dance In The Mood has rediscovered the form that won her the Japanese 1000 Guineas two years ago. She contested the CXHK Cup in 2004, but now back to her pet distance and more mature and stronger, this year she has collected the Gr.1 Victoria Mile and a Gr.3 in California. Last weekend she proved her wellbeing with second, beaten a neck, in the Mile Championship.

Many in Hong Kong believe Armada can give champion trainer John Size his first success at this meeting. The five-year-old, who has risen to every challenge asked of him, was the Most Improved Horse last term and his ascent through the ranks reached new heights last weekend with a stylish win in the CX International Mile Trial from a number of rivals he will meet again in December.

Russian Pearl and Joyful Winner are proven Gr.1 performers at home and abroad and will be joined by The Duke and Bowman's Crossing, two perennials at this meeting. The Duke has finished second and third in the last two editions of the Mile and the evergreen Bowman's Crossing was runner-up in 2003.

Finally, the progressive Floral Pegasus and Sir Ernesto proved they are worthy of their places in this company with a courageous third and fourth respectively in the CX International Mile Trial on Sunday last.

The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup

Gr.1 - 2000m - HK$20m (US$2.56m)

The world's richest turf race over 2000m. It features competitors from five racing jurisdictions - including the last two winners - and matches some of the world's finest fillies and mares against the best males from the Asian Racing Federation.


Pride, the highest-rated runner at the meeting, seeks to go one better in this race having finishing second to Vengeance Of Rain last year. The brilliant French-trained mare will arrive in Hong Kong in even better form than 12 months ago after a resounding Champion Stakes success following a luckless second in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Vengeance Of Rain is unbeaten in five starts at this course and distance and he has returned as good as ever after a lengthy lay-off this year. No horse has ever won Hong Kong's richest race twice but connections believe last year¡¦s world champion will be peaking for the assignment after two very encouraging preps.

Alexander Goldrun makes her third and final journey to Hong Kong. She won this race for Ireland in 2004 but had no luck in running last season. This year she has maintained her high standards and won the Gr.1 Pretty Polly Stakes among a series of top class performances.

Voted the best three-year-old filly in Europe at the Cartier Awards last week following three consecutive Gr.1 wins, Mandeshais a stable companion of Pride. Her most recent victory in the Prix de l'Opera lowered the Longchamp course record for 2000m and she bids to give her owner, the Aga Khan, a first winner in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's chances of keeping the prize at home are by no means limited to Vengeance Of Rain because the excellent duo of Hello Pretty and Viva Pataca will also take plenty of beating. The former could not have been more impressive taking out the CX International Cup Trial ten days ago and trainer Tony Cruz is expecting even further improvement. However, the same certainly applies to Viva Pataca, the outstanding winner of the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby in March whose campaign has been tailored towards the Cup.

After ten years at the top in Hong Kong, trainer David Hayes knows what it takes to win international races at Sha Tin and Growl will be his first runner at this meeting since returning to Australia. Growl has made sensational progress since making his debut earlier this year and has won a Gr.2 and took second place in the Gr.1 Mackinnon Stakes on his last start.

Japan last won this race in 2001 with Agnes Digital and the country is very strongly represented this year with three runners. Admire Moon has won four Group races and is considered one of the very best Japanese three-year-olds; Swift Current is in career-best form after an excellent second in the Tenno Sho recently and is preparing for this weekend's Japan Cup. Meanwhile, DiaDe La Novia was placed in last year's Oaks and continues to figure prominently at the highest level and also runs in the Japan Cup this Sunday.

French hopes for a second CXHK Cup success rest not just with Pride, but also SatwaQueen and Musical Way. The former is a Gr.2 and Gr.3 winner who ran a close second to Mandesha in the Prix de l'Opera. The latter won the Gr.3 Coupe de Maisons-Laffitte prior to her third-placed effort in the Gr.1 Lydia Tesio last month.

Hong Kong runners High Intelligent, trained by champion John Size, and Art Trader, trained by John Moore, complete the Cup line-up.

Declarations for The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races are on Thursday, December 7, the same day as the barrier draw in the Sha Tin parade ring.

Mandesha ruled out.....

Freedonia and Swift Current withdrawn.....

On Takeover Target.....
http://racing.scmp.com/freeservice/n...ws20061128.asp

and Vengeance of Rain.....
http://racing.scmp.com/freeservice/n...s20061129b.asp

Syllabus and Becrux withdrawn, Linngari to the Mile, Dettori gets the mount on Satwa Queen in the Vase.....

Coral has odds on the Vase

Ouija Board 7/4
Song Of Wind 4/1
Admire Main 11/2
Scorpion 7/1
Maraahel 8/1
Collier Hill 10/1
Kastoria 10/1
Shamdala 20/1
Egerton 25/1
Saturn 66/1
Syllabus 66/1

and the Cup

Pride 9/4
Vengeance Of Rain 10/3
Hello Pretty 11/2
Admire Moon 7/1
Alexander Goldrun 7/1
Satwa Queen 10/1
Viva Pataca 11/1
Growl 14/1
Diade La Novia 25/1
Musical Way 50/1
Art Trader 66/1
High Intelligent 66/1


If you feel that the two best fillies in the world will win their respective races, a Ouija / Pride double is just under 8-1!!

Be interesting to see the odds for the Mile.

* * *
Schofield gets the mount on Linngari.....

Click on "details" for replays.....

http://www.cxhkir.com/english/hkir20...6_show_nof.asp

The arrivals!

http://www.hkjc.com/english/news/news_2006120114662.htm

Seamus Heffernan gets the mount on Scorpion.....

Another bad day for Godolphin..... Satchem injured this morning in Dubai.

Dave's Best now in.....

Pride has arrived. :cool:

Hey repent...

If the Sprint is around a turn for the first time, who does that help / hurt?

Thanks.

thats the most interesting part of the card imo.
good question.
Will have to look at the pps to see who really wants 6f first, then try and gauge who wants(or has experience) around a turn.
my first thought is that it gives NAmerican horses like Fast Parade an advantage.

I have seen Takeover Target win at 1200 and around a turn in Japan,
so we know he is capable.
of the Australians,
I know I saw Red Oog settle and win around a turn in a Group 1 earlier this year.
I think it was at 1200.

and Scintillation has won at 1600 at Sha Tin,
so this distance should not be a problem.

one website(you may already know of this) that I will be studying over the next week is:
http://www.cxhkir.com/english/hkir20..._horseform.asp

has basic finish order, but most importantly, it has video of the contenders previous races.


Repent

Yeah, I check that site daily. Trackwork video should be up soon but for now... trackwork notes.

Appreciate your thoughts on the Sprint.:)

Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races 2006
Tracknotes - Monday, December 4

The international challengers were out in numbers on the all weather track at Sha Tin on a sunny Monday morning ahead of next Sunday's HK$62million Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races extravaganza.

Amongst the first out on the track was the Ed Dunlop-trained Ouija Board, who makes her final racecourse appearance in the Vase, and is seeking to add an eighth Gr.1 victory. She put in no more than a routine canter under her regular rider Jason Tate, but looked to be in great shape as usual, despite her arduous 2006 campaign.

Robin Trevor-Jones, Ed Dunlop's assistant, who has been with her every step of the way, reported her in good form after her courageous third place finish to Japanese champion Deep Impact in the Japan Cup just eight days ago. "She's travelled well from Japan, and seems to have come out of that race well. She's where we want her, and I'm happy with everything here. What more can you say about her - she's just amazing."

The highly regarded European mare, the Alain de Royer-Dupre trained Pride, who has also enjoyed a great season in Europe with Gr.1 victories in the Grand Prix de Paris over Hurricane Run and the Champion Stakes at Newmarket, as well as finishing runner up in the Arc ahead of Deep Impact, was also out on the all weather track. She put in a solid canter and looked very well, although showing signs of starting to grow her winter coat, just as she did last year when runner up in the CXHK Cup, the race in which she attempts to go one better in this year.

Cup rival Admire Moon, one of Japan's best three-year-olds this season, cantered quietly on the dirt to the satisfaction of head lad, Tsuyoshi Matsuda. "He had no problem with his first time flight and he is very relaxed. It's a good sign for him," he said.

Another European horse to catch the eye was the Aidan O'Brien-trained Scorpion (CXHK Vase) who comes to Hong Kong following his fifth place finish in the Breeders' Cup Turf, in what was only his second start of the season following a long lay off through injury. Scorpion moved well in a steady canter on the all weather track, and travelling head lad Pat Keating reported everything was well with his charge. "He's travelled well, and he's settled well here. He was maybe a little fresh in his last race, and he can come on again from that run here," Keating said.

Just one of Japan's Vase hopes, Admire Main, came onto the dirt under his regular exercise rider Yuta Komiyama, who later said: "He is full of energy, he is in great form. He travelled over smoothly and is eating up well. No problems at all."

Both the Aga Khan's runners in the Vase –Kastoria, trained in Ireland by John Oxx, and Shamdala, the care of Alain de Royer-Dupre in France – pleased connections with a light limber on the dirt. Rival runners Collier Hill (Alan Swinbank, Britain) and Egerton (Peter Rau, Germany) also performed low-tempo canters with the work schedule set to increase later in the week.

CXHK Mile favourite Armada is "doing everything right" according to jockey Douglas Whyte. Asked whether there were any chinks in the armour of Armada who boasts seven wins from eight starts, Whyte replied with a terse "not really."

"Track conditions, barrier draw, nothing really matters with this horse. He makes his own luck and I'm very happy to be on him...and I can tell you I am fired up to win one of these big races," he added.

The CXHK Mile challenger from the USA, the Richard Dutrow-trained Rebel Rebel was on his toes as he put in a regulation canter on the all weather, looking in great physical shape ahead of Sunday's challenge.

Just flown in from Italy, Ramonti cantered on the all-weather under Endo Botti, his jockey in the CXHK Mile.

"He worked at Pisa Racecourse before we came out here and we are happy with how he has travelled and settled in. We will go easily with him until Friday when he works a bit stronger on the turf," said co-trainer Giuseppe Botti.

The Ramonti camp was interested in which of the local horses may end up taking on their front-running star on Sunday with Sir Ernesto's trainer Derek Cruz keen to lead if the Italian wishes to hand up. Floral Pegasus and The Duke are others with potential to lead or at least race to the fore.

Cruz said Sir Ernesto would gallop on Tuesday morning as he finalizes his big-race preparation.

Star Australian sprinter Takeover Target worked steadily on the all-weather track under the watchful eye of his trainer Joe Janiak sporting his 'Queanbeyan Conqueror' cap - a reference to his hometown just outside Canberra.

"I'm pleased with him. He's done very well since we've been in Hong Kong. He wasn't quite right when we had him in England, in fact he looked shocking, didn't really acclimatise... but he blossomed in Japan and he's looking good here," Janiak said.

Takeover Target will have his final serious gallop on Wednesday morning, on the course proper, with jockey Jay Ford aboard. "One more good hit-out is all he needs," Janiak said of the horse who was bought for just $Aus1250 at a mixed bloodstock sale in 2003 and has now earned more than $Aus3.5 million. Ford arrives in Hong Kong on Tuesday night.

Desert Lord was seen out on the all-weather track for the first time at Sha Tin today under his regular work rider, John Murray, who was has been very impressed with the way he has taken his trip and bullish about his charge's prospects in the CXHK Sprint.

"He seems to travel well and fights that bit harder when he's abroad. That was the best I've felt him today, " said Murray.

Murray added: "He'll do a zip with our stable jockey Neil Callan aboard on Thursday or Friday when the trainer [Kevin Ryan] has arrived. This horse has tremendous speed and he will love this sharp track and the fast ground. He really operates on it. I hope we get a draw between one and six, otherwise it could be curtains."

Britain's other two contenders for the sprint, Benbaun, who was sixth in the race last year and Red Clubs, who is owned by Ronald Arculli, former Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, were confined to the trotting ring today.

The top Japanese sprinter Meisho Bowler cantered easily in the trotting ring under trainer Toshiaki Shirai's son, Katsuya, and did not show up on the all-weather course. "He was a little nervous when he arrived here, but his form is getting better and eating up well," Shirai Jr. said.

The other Japanese sprinter She is Tosho performed easy work in the trotting ring before she cantered on the all-weather track for one lap.

CXHKCup contender Growl also had a comfortable workout on the all weather and "felt good" according to track rider Cathy Payne. Growl has his final run for David Hayes in the Cup and will remain in Hong Kong with Almond Lee.

* * *

More arrival shots.....
http://www.hkjc.com/english/corporat...6120314693.htm

Hey Miss SCat,

thanks for all the information.
lets go over the HK card later this week when they have all the final entries up.
good to see someone follow the Asian racing as closely as you do.
keep up the good work.



Repent

That sounds great, repent, and thanks.

Somewhere, in a parallel universe, I've started Hong Kong adoptions. It's kind of silly but a lot fun to encourage people to follow and get excited by racing over there by adopting their own horse(s).

Whenever they swim or have a riverside grass gallop (or get gelded or named..... anything!) I post it, along with entries and results, barrier trials, links to videos, stuff like that. :)

I think we're up to around 21 people and 70 or so horses..... it's a lot of fun.

* * *

More arrivals.....
http://www.hkjc.com/english/corporat...6120414716.htm

... and trackwork photos.....
http://www.hkjc.com/english/corporat...6120414713.htm

Red Clubs is out..... what a shame.

From the HKJC.....

Absolute Champion replaces Red Clubs in Cathay Pacific HK Sprint

4 December 2006

Red Clubs has had to withdraw from the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint and will be replaced by Absolute Champion, trained in Hong Kong.

Red Clubs did not travel to Sha Tin from Britain as well as hoped and connections had no option but to withdraw their horse.

His replacement, Absolute Champion, was unfortunate not to be on the original list of selections. In the HSBC Premier Bowl (Gr.3) in October, the David Hall-trained star broke a course record Sprint course and distance. The time of 1 minute 8.1 seconds shaved three-tenths off a record that dated back 21 years and was also shared by Silent Witness.


On Ouija Board.....

http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/n...Kong_Vase.html

Odds for all races available here i think

http://www.coral.co.uk/sbuk.go?ms=MS...&groups=125270

ill take collier hill at 9-1..loved his last:D

Hey repent...

Sha Tin is completely flat... correct? I believe it is but not 100 percent sure and figured you would know.

Thanks!

Trackwork photos for Tuesday.....
http://www.hkjc.com/english/news/news_2006120514741.htm

Tuesday trackwork notes (still no video, sorry).....

5 December 2006

Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup


VENGEANCE OF RAIN (HK)
Worked 800m in a turf gallop on Tuesday morning in 25.2 sec and 21.7 sec, according to Turf Timers.

Anthony Delpech, jockey:

"He worked brilliantly, he's flying. Honestly, I think he's in better form than last year. As for the race itself, I'm not worried if there's no pace because I can have him close and then kick on from, say, the 600m or 700m. I know for a fact that he has still has that same acceleration that won him the race last year and the Derby and the QEII before. Some people saw his run last time in the Mile Trial and they say 'oh he's dour, he's lost that kick' but he wasn't trained for that race and David [Ferraris, trainer] has proven time and again how good he is at getting horses to peak on the big day."



VIVA PATACA (HK)
John Moore, trainer:

"He's just come to hand now and I'm expecting a big run. He's really very well. First up this season he ran great over a trip well short of his best and I think that effort was a bit hard on him. I'm a firm believer in the 'second-up syndrome' and I think that's what happened to him last time. The other thing is that he has to have cover ¡V it's vital to him. He was covering ground last time and he ran flat and it was the same in the QEII last year. If he gets a good gate, his chances improve enormously with Soumillon riding. He will work again later in the week to top him off."



HELLO PRETTY (HK)

Brett Prebble, jockey:

"He has really improved. He has just matured this season since switching stables. I have had two rides on him, winning over 1800m from a big weight and the second time in the Cup Trial when he just destroyed the opposition so how can you fault his form? Tony says he's flying so that's good enough for me."



ALEXANDER GOLDRUN (IRE)

Performed a half-speed gallop on the dirt on Tuesday in 26.8 sec.

Ger Flynn, work rider:

"She seems in similar shape to when she won the race in 2004¡VI rode her light work then as well. She still has that same zip. We made a mistake by running her in bad ground in the Champion Stakes before the Cup last year. It might have taken the edge off her but in the end she wasn't beaten that far after getting a bad runhere. She is fresher this year and you can forget her run in the Sun Chariot Stakes when it wasn't her trip and the ground was very loose. We'll definitely know much more about her when her jockey Kevin Manning comes and works her on Thursday."



DIA DE LA NOVIA (JPN)

Cantered easily for one lap on the dirt.

Yuichi Fukunaga, jockey:

"This is my first time to ride her and she felt good.I have ridden against her in races back home and I know she is very good so I am looking forward to the ride."



ADMIRE MOON (JPN)

Cantered for a lap on the dirt.

Masanobu Baba, work rider:

"He was very relaxedtoday. He will gallop steadily on Thursday on the all-weather track and then go half-speed on the turf course on Friday."



ART TRADER (HK)
Trainer John Moore:

"This race will most likely be a bit tough for him. He's a good horse at his level in Group races in Hong Kong but at this grade? I don't know."



PRIDE (FR)

Looked in great heart, as she has done all year. She jogged a circuit, and then followed up with a canter on the all weather trackin 27.8 sec.Trainer Alain de Royer Dupre will be at Sha Tin to supervise her preparation on Wednesday morning.



MUSICAL WAY (FR) & SATWA QUEEN (FR)

Steady work on the dirt for both.



Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile



DANCE IN THE MOOD (JPN)

Cantered gently on the dirt

Tsukasa Uemizu, travelling head lad to trainer Kazuo Fujisawa:
"This is her fourth time to travel abroad, so she is well used to itandis eating up well. She was quite green in her last start in Hong Kong for the Cup, but she has improved a lot, both mentally and physically. We will give her a fast breeze on the all-weather track on Thursday. The mile is her best distance and it's better for her that she will start on the backstretch because she was very tense when she started in front of such a big crowd two years ago in the Hong Kong Cup."


RAMONTI (ITA)
Cantered on the dirt under jockey, Endo Botti.

Alduino Botti, trainer:

"He's very well. He's got better each day out here and I'm confident that he'll run a good race on Sunday.I know that he has improved substantially from the Gr.1 Vittorio di Capua in Milan in October but taking on a field like this in Hong Kong in December ¡Vyou never know. It's like a shot in the dark. He doesn't have to lead, but if there's no pace, then I'll be happy for him to go on in front. When he won the Parioli [Italian 2000 Guineas], he won it from behind.


ARMADA (HK)
Douglas Whyte, jockey:

"He's the best chance I have had to win one of these races since Indigenous [won the Vase in 1998]. I haven't been on Armada since I won the Mile Trial last month ¡VI'd love to but John [Size, trainer] is onto to that one. If it's not broke, then don't fix it, I suppose. The way John trains, you'd feel he is going to improve from that win last time and that gives me great confidence. Of the other horses, I reckon Dance In The Mood might be the one to meet ¡Vhis trainer [Kazuo Fujisawa] is top class.



BULLISH LUCK (HK)
Brett Prebble, jockey:

"Tony [Cruz, trainer] ensures me he is coming to peak form and when Tony says that, it's not often he gets it wrong. He's a big gross horse so he's going to improve for his last run on fitness alone. The more pace in the race, the better for him."



JOYFUL WINNER (HK)

John Moore, trainer:
"I don't think he is at his peak yet. Not for a race like this. His coat is good, all dappled up, but I think his best is yet to come after this race."



SIR ERNESTO (HK)

Worked on the turf track over 1200m, coming home in 22.4 seconds under big race rider, Felix Coetzee.



REBEL REBEL (USA)

Connections of were pleased with the powerful Rebel Rebel after a steady canteron the dirt.



MUSTAMEET (IRE)

Just did gentle trackwork on the dirt under his jockey, Declan McDonogh.


Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase

ADMIRE MAIN (JPN)

Went half-speed on the turf under regular exercise rider, Yuta Komiyama, who said:

"The fast turf suitedhim very well and he is in really good form."


SONG OF WIND (JPN)

Cantered on the dirt.
Kazuhiro Yamayoshi, travelling head lad for trainer Hidekazu Asami:
"The horse is very settled into Hong Kongand he will breeze on the turf on Thursday. The draw does not matter. He can race from anywhere and he always gives his best."


SCORPION (IRE)

Caught the eye in a half-speed canter on the all-weather track.

Pat Keating, travelling head lad to trainer Aidan O'Brien:

"He's in grand form and hassettled in well. His trainer will be in town later in the week to finalise his preparations."



SATURN (HK)
Worked 1200m on the dirt under jockey, finishing in 22.4 sec.

Danny Nikolic, jockey:

"His work this morning was very good. He raced against Hello Pretty last time and beat the Derby winner Viva Pataca quite easily so we have all the boxes ticked. Whether he can beat the likes of Ouija Board remains to be seen, of course, but he will run a good race."



OUIJA BOARD(GB)

Put in her regular canter on the all weather surface, looking relaxed and at ease.



MARAAHEL (GB)

Had his first outing on the all weather track, looking fit and well. Did no more than a hack canter.



COLLIER HILL (GB)

Steady canter on the all weather track.



EGERTON (GER)

Looked very well and asked to do no more than a routine canter under jockey Torsten Mundry on the dirt.



SHAMDALA (FR)

Covered two handy circuits of the dirt track.



KASTORIA (IRE)

Only did a regulation canter around the all weather track.

Part deux...

Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint


RED OOG (AUS)

Impressed in a turf gallop, finishing up in 23.6 sec.

Joe Pride, trainer:

"I brought him here quite fit after a barrier trial and a race already and his work there was what we were looking for. He pulled up well and he's in good form. He lost minor amount of weight on the flight but he is over that and back above that weight again. The one thing is that he will need a soft draw and an interference-free run. He is definitely good enough to win this race. If he gets luck he will be in the finish and when he is in the finish after a good passage, he generally wins."



MEISHO BOWLER (JPN)
Ridden by work rider Katsuya Shirai, he did a three-quarter-speed gallop on turf finishing about six lengths ahead of work companion Admire Main (CXHK Vase), in a final 400m of 24.3 sec.

Watching jockey Yuichi Fukunaga said:

"That looked like nice work and I think the 1200m distance will suit himhere. He did not finish well [ran 9th] in his last start in the Swan Stakes over 1400m. I don't think the track at Kyoto suited him very well. Sha Tin looks better for him."


SHE IS TOSHO (JPN)
Cantered easily on the dirt under work rider Akinori Orikawa, who later said:

"He was just getting used to the new surroundings. I just gave him an light canter for one lap and he did it very smoothly."



ABSOLUTE CHAMPION (HK)
Received an invite for the race yesterday with the withdrawal of Red Clubs owing to travel sickness.

David Hall, trainer:

"I was very disappointed that he didn't get in originally having a set track record last start. He was always trained for this race so it's not like he has missed any work and he is best fresh. I just hope that he gets an inside draw like when he won last time because I can't say that he's that much better than many of the ones he is going to meet from set weights. He's going to need a few favours."



SUNNY SING (HK) & ABLE PRINCE (HK)
John Moore, trainer:

"The first thing to say about my two in the Sprint is that I think they will be running for places behind Takeover Target ¡Vhis consistency at this level is something we just can't match. I have a slight preference for Sunny Sing over Able Prince because he is the tougher horse, although Able Prince is fresh and that suits him best. A good draw will be critical to their chances."



TAKEOVER TARGET (AUS)
Joe Janiak, trainer:

"He's about 2kgs heavier at the moment than when he won in Japan but that will go after another hit-out tomorrow. He was a bit keen yesterday but he's in as good form as when he was in Japan and we have had no major problems ¡V everything has been really good."

yeah,
no elevation changes from what I understand.

thats one difference I heard one of the TVG guys pointing out btwn HK and Japanese racing(obviously Japan racing has elevation changes).

I could be wrong, but I dont think I am.



Repent

hey miss storm cat!

thanks for taking the time to put all this good info up on the HK races. :)

it's going to be quite an exciting series of races.

Double checked with someone over there and yeah... Sha Tin is completely flat unlike Happy Valley (I hadn't realized that).

One of the best days of the year!

Let me echo ArlJim's remark. I appreciate your putting up all the info.

It's an exciting lineup, and I'd love the see the two great (retiring) mares exit with wins.

--Dunbar

Hey, no problem Dunbar!

* * *

10/12/2006 Sha Tin Track : Turf
Meeting No : 25 Course : "A" Course
Race Name : THE CATHAY PACIFIC HONG KONG CUP Distance : 2000m
Race Class : 3yo+

Horse (Brand No) Representing Trainer Wt. Int'l Rating HK Rating (+/-)
VENGEANCE OF RAIN (D142)
HK D E Ferraris 126 122 130 (+0)
VIVA PATACA (G096)
HK J Moore 126 115 126 (+0)
GROWL (H613)
AUS D A Hayes 126 113 -
HELLO PRETTY (E210)
HK A S Cruz 126 112 118 (+6)
ART TRADER (E131)
HK J Moore 126 110 119 (-1)
HIGH INTELLIGENT (D317)
HK J Size 126 107 110 (-1)
ADMIRE MOON (H614)
JPN H Matsuda 123 116 -
PRIDE (G602)
FR de Royer-Dupre 122 123 -
ALEXANDER GOLDRUN (E605)
IRE J S Bolger 122 119 -
SATWA QUEEN (H615)
FR J de Roualle 122 116 -
DIA DE LA NOVIA (H616)
JPN K Sumii 122 109 -
MUSICAL WAY (H617)
FR P van de Poele 122 108 -

* * *

10/12/2006 Sha Tin Track : Turf
Meeting No : 25 Course : "A" Course
Race Name : THE CATHAY PACIFIC HONG KONG MILE Distance : 1600m
Race Class : 3yo+

Horse (Brand No) Representing Trainer Wt. Int'l Rating HK Rating (+/-)
BULLISH LUCK (C155)
HK A S Cruz 126 120 129 (-1)
RAMONTI (H608)
ITY A and G Botti 126 118 -
MUSTAMEET (H609)
IRE K Prendergast 126 117 -
JOYFUL WINNER (E045)
HK J Moore 126 115 124 (-1)
RUSSIAN PEARL (E019)
HK A S Cruz 126 115 125 (+0)
ARMADA (E246)
HK J Size 126 114 123 (+12)
LINNGARI (H624)
SAF H Brown 126 114 -
REBEL REBEL (H611)
USA R Dutrow Jr 126 114 -
BOWMAN'S CROSSING (B138)
HK C Fownes 126 113 120 (+0)
THE DUKE (B282)
HK C Fownes 126 113 122 (+0)
FLORAL PEGASUS (G011)
HK A S Cruz 126 111 115 (+5)
DAVE'S BEST (C060)
HK C H Yip 126 110 117 (-2)
SIR ERNESTO (G051)
HK D Cruz 126 110 105 (+5)
DANCE IN THE MOOD (E606)
JPN K Fujisawa 122 116 -

* * *

10/12/2006 Sha Tin Track : Turf
Meeting No : 25 Course : "A" Course
Race Name : THE CATHAY PACIFIC HONG KONG VASE Distance : 2400m
Race Class : 3yo+

Horse (Brand No) Representing Trainer Wt. Int'l Rating HK Rating (+/-)
MARAAHEL (G601)
GB Sir M R Stoute 126 121 -
COLLIER HILL (H618)
GB G A Swinbank 126 116 -
EGERTON (H619)
GER P Rau 126 115 -
SCORPION (H620)
IRE A P O'Brien 126 113 -
SATURN (D154)
HK C Fownes 126 106 110 (+2)
OUIJA BOARD (G615)
GB E Dunlop 122 121 -
KASTORIA (H621)
IRE J M Oxx 122 117 -
SHAMDALA (G625)
FR de Royer-Dupre 122 113 -
SONG OF WIND (H623)
JPN H Asami 121 117 -
ADMIRE MAIN (H622)
JPN M Hashida 121 116 -

* * *
10/12/2006 Sha Tin Track : Turf
Meeting No : 25 Course : "A" Course
Race Name : THE CATHAY PACIFIC HONG KONG SPRINT Distance : 1200m
Race Class : 3yo+


Horse (Brand No) Representing Trainer Wt. Int'l Rating HK Rating (+/-)
TAKEOVER TARGET (H601)
AUS J Janiak 126 121 -
DESERT LORD (H602)
GB K A Ryan 126 117 -
FAST PARADE (H603)
USA P Miller 126 115 -
RED OOG (H604)
AUS J Pride 126 115 -
MEISHO BOWLER (H605)
JPN T Shirai 126 114 -
BENBAUN (G619)
GB M J Wallace 126 113 -
RED CLUBS (H606)......................... ruled out. ABSOLUTE CHAMPION is in.
GB B W Hills 126 113 -
SCINTILLATION (C228)
HK C S Shum 126 113 124 (+0)
SILENT WITNESS (C140)
HK A S Cruz 126 113 121 (-2)
SUNNY SING (E135)
HK J Moore 126 112 119 (+0)
NATURAL BLITZ (E227)
HK D Cruz 126 111 119 (+0)
ABLE PRINCE (C348)
HK J Moore 126 110 118 (+1)
DOWN TOWN (G054)
HK C H Yip 126 109 112 (+5)
SHE IS TOSHO (H607)
JPN A Tsurudome 122 112 -

Reserve :
No. Horse (Brand No) Representing Trainer Wt. Int'l Rating HK Rating (+/-)
1 ABSOLUTE CHAMPION (E060)
HK D J Hall 126 108 116(+7)
2 BILLET EXPRESS (D140)
HK J Moore 126 108 117(-2)

* * *

Have to include the other races..... such nice fields.....

10/12/2006 Sha Tin Track : Turf
Meeting No : 25 Course : "A" Course
Race Name : CANBERRA HANDICAP Distance : 1400m
Race Class : 1 Sec./Div. No : 1
Rating Range : 120-095

HELENE PILLAGING (C084)
A S Cruz 133 - 119 -1 -
AIN'T HERE (C288)
D J Hall 132 - 118 0 -
PLANET RULER (B359)
A Lee 128 - 114 -2 -
ALL'S WELL (E234)
C S Shum 126 - 112 2 -
MY CHOICE (C283)
D J Hall 123 - 109 1 -
HAPPEE OWNER (E230)
A S Cruz 121 - 107 -1 -
FOKINE (E072)
A S Cruz 120 - 106 -2 -
ROYAL DELIGHT (G192)
C S Shum 120 - 106 0 -
LIBERAL'S KNIGHT (E272)
J Size 117 - 103 0 -
NOBLE CRUSADER (D286)
A Lee 114 - 100 -2 -
VIVA MACAU (H110)
J Moore 114 - 100 - -
FIRM OFFER (E008)
D E Ferraris 113 - 99 3 -
NOBLE MAN (C099)
T K Ng 112 - 98 0 -
SPECIAL KING PRAWN (D212)
A S Cruz 111 - 97 -2 -

* * *

10/12/2006 Sha Tin Track : Turf
Meeting No : 25 Course : "A" Course
Race Name : DUBLIN HANDICAP Distance : 1600m
Race Class : 1 Sec./Div. No : 1
Rating Range : 105-080

CHEEKY (A266)
C Fownes 133 - 105 0 1 +
NILOMETER (D052)
A S Cruz 131 - 103 -1 2
BOBO WIN (C238)
D Cruz 125 - 97 -2 1
GOOD NATURE (E153)
P O'Sullivan 123 - 95 1 1
LUCKY BABY (G207)
C S Shum 123 - 95 10 1 +
FIRST AMONG EQUALS (C327)
C W Chang 121 - 93 0 1
GALLANT LION (G243)
D J Hall 121 - 93 -1 1 +
CLEAN SWEEP (D323)
J Size 120 - 92 0 1 +
CONGRATS (G298)
C H Yip 116 - 88 0 1 +
MEDICO (H075)
J Moore 115 - 87 - 1
BULLISH CASH (H049)
A S Cruz 114 - 86 4 1
SUPER WONGCHOY (B318)
Y O Wong 113 - 85 1 1
SYDNEY OWNER (G195)
A Schutz 113 - 85 - 1 +
WINNING REWARD (E254)
K W Lui 112 - 84 -1 1 +

Reserve :
1 EXCELLENT BOY (E238)
C Fownes 129 - 101 6 2 -
2 WEALTHY (D164)
J Moore 133 - 105 0 2 -

* * *

10/12/2006 Sha Tin Track : Turf
Meeting No : 25 Course : "A" Course
Race Name : LONDON HANDICAP Distance : 1200m
Race Class : 3 Sec./Div. No : 1
Rating Range : 080-060

THUNDER DANCING (G250)
Y S Tsui 133 - 78 -1 1 +
INSPIRATION (G111)
J Moore 128 - 73 6 1 +
LUCKY STRAVINSKY (E195)
C S Shum 128 - 73 0 1 +
PICKETT (G155)
C W Chang 128 - 73 -2 1 +
TURF WARRIOR (H061)
L Ho 127 - 72 0 1 +
BEAR MACHO (G152)
D E Ferraris 126 - 71 3 1 +
DREAM HORSE (G029)
A S Cruz 124 - 69 -2 1 +
SURE JOY (E299)
C H Yip 121 - 66 0 1
KIMBERLEY MINES (A367)
T W Leung 118 - 63 1 1 +
NORTHERN HERO (G172)
A T Millard 118 - 63 8 1 +
EASY (G095)
K W Lui 117 - 62 -2 1
EASY PUNCH (B276)
Y O Wong 116 - 61 5 1 +
GALBRAITH (G022)
D J Hall 116 - 61 0 1 +
JOY AND FUN (H014)
D Cruz 115 - 60 8 1 +

Reserve :
1 MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP (G260)
A Lee 124 - 69 0 1 -
2 ELEGANT WIN (G297)
P O'Sullivan 131 - 76 - 1 -
3 SUPER PRINCE (D126)
A Schutz 126 - 71 -2 1 -

* * *

10/12/2006 Sha Tin Track : Turf
Meeting No : 25 Course : "A" Course
Race Name : PARIS HANDICAP Distance : 1400m
Race Class : 3 Sec./Div. No : 1
Rating Range : 080-060

RELY ON ME (E068)
D Cruz 129 - 76 0 1 +
BULLDOZER (G062)
C H Yip 128 - 75 -2 1
ROMANTIC GREEN (G123)
Y S Tsui 127 - 74 -2 1 +
TAIJI SPIRIT (D185)
A T Millard 126 - 73 0 1 +
WELL NOTED (G313)
S Woods 126 - 73 -2 1 +
NICE KING (G147)
C W Chang 123 - 70 - 1 +
TERRAFERMA (G016)
J Moore 122 - 69 -1 1
TOWERING FEELING (G262)
D E Ferraris 120 - 67 8 1 +
FLORAL PRINCE (G299)
L Ho 119 - 66 -2 1 +
SKYVIEW BAR (G024)
A Lee 119 - 66 1 1 +
BRILLIANT FLASH (E042)
C Fownes 118 - 65 0 1 +
CHOICE AND CHANCE (A381)
T W Leung 118 - 65 -1 1 +
MR FLOODLIGHT (G257)
C S Shum 118 - 65 - 1
WALKONTHEWILDSIDE (G033)
P O'Sullivan 117 - 64 0 1 +

Reserve :
No. Horse (Brand No) Trainer Wt. WFA. Rtg. Rtg.+/- P Remarks
1 SMART HORSE (V096)
K W Lui 121 - 68 0 1 -
2 WISE LOVER (E095)
Y O Wong 129 - 76 -1 1 -
3 FORTUNE BOY (C378)
A Schutz 120 - 67 -2 1 -

* * *

10/12/2006 Sha Tin Track : Turf
Meeting No : 25 Course : "A" Course
Race Name : TOKYO HANDICAP Distance : 1800m
Race Class : 3 Sec./Div. No : 1
Rating Range : 080-060

CLASSA WIN (A115)
L Ho 132 - 79 -2 1
HOLIGAN (H003)
J Moore 131 - 78 0 1 +
NOBLE HEART (C355)
K W Lui 131 - 78 0 1 +
TACTIC KING (G081)
D E Ferraris 128 - 75 0 1
GRAND CENTRAL (G160)
A S Cruz 127 - 74 0 1 +
GOLD FIELD (C096)
S Woods 126 - 73 -1 1 +
JADE DRAGONFLY (E331)
P O'Sullivan 126 - 73 1 1 +
GRAND NOBLE (G148)
A Lee 124 - 71 -2 1 +
RED PEPPER (A196)
C H Yip 124 - 71 7 1 +
RIGHT FRAAR (E024)
J Size 119 - 66 0 1 +
HAPPY CONTENDER (C152)
Y O Wong 117 - 64 5 1 +
VINCERE (E324)
A Schutz 113 - 60 0 1 +

For repent.....

http://racing.scmp.com/freeservice/n...s20061206b.asp

thanks for the article.
one of my favorite horses in the world.



Repent

One of the greatest.....

* * *

Wednesday trackwork photos.....
http://www.hkjc.com/english/news/news_2006120614755.htm

... and notes...

6 December 2006

Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup

PRIDE (FR)

Worked at half pace on the turf for her work rider in 27.0 for the final 400m, according to Turf Timers.

Alain de Royer Dupre, trainer:

"She's like red wine, a Bordeaux: she keeps getting better! Watch her move today and you see she can change her legs without it affecting her momentum. I am very happy and although she is better on softer ground, we can't complain - this is the track of the future - not too firm and not too deep.

"She has always raced freely, a bit too freely. She is better now but it is still her tendency. That's why I will never let Christophe (Lemaire , jockey ) ride her in the morning s . He always let's her go too fast!

But she is more mature this year and settled in very well. She arrived here two days earlier this time and that has also helped."

GROWL (AUS)

Worked 1200m on the dirt under jockey Craig Williams, driven out to come home in 23.2 sec.

David Hayes, trainer:

"He has been set for this race for a long time and we have had no problems with him. I think he is as good as Elegant Fashion (HK Derby winner, multiple international placed in HK) and I guess when Almond (Lee, HK trainer) takes him over after this race he will be a big chance for the Classic Mile and the Derby. "

Craig Williams, jockey:

"He was enjoying the first half of his work, but he was kind of lost looking for his Melbourne leg since he was going the other way round. But as soon as he got onto the correct leg for Sha Tin for the final 800m I was really happy. He is a very relaxed horse on his own like that, which David says reminds him of his Japan Cup winner, Better Loosen Up.

"It is difficult for a horse going the other way first time but David has done the work to minimise that problem and he is such a workmanlike horse that he will adapt."

ALEXANDER GOLDRUN (IRE)

Solid work on the dirt under jockey Kevin Manning, finishing in 25.7 sec.

Jim Bolger, trainer:

"She seems keen and sharp and fresher after a longer break this year and I'm confident that she is as well as ever in herself. She is very sound, has a great constitution and a great temperament and that's why she's still at the top of her game. She will work on the grass tomorrow.

"As for the race, she likes an even pace, the pace doesn't have to be too mad. I just hope they don't dawdle and kick on from half a mile out. I just hope we get a clear run and may the best horse win after that."

Kevin Manning, jockey:

"I'm very happy with her. She moved well and felt good to me. You can throw out her last run at Newmarket, it was over a mile, which is too short for her and the ground was all against her that day as well."

Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase
OUIJA BOARD (GB)

The seven-times Gr.1 winner cantered steadily on the dirt under work rider Jason Tate.

Robin Trevor - Jones, trainer Ed Dunlop's travelling head lad:

"She's thriving out here, if anything she's doing a little too well in this climate. She's putting on weight and is around 472 kilos, which is about six more than her racing weight in Japan, and at Churchill Downs for the Breeders' Cup. But that's not a problem. Frankie (Dettori, jockey) will ride her on the turf tomorrow, and that'll be it. She's as fit as a fiddle."

COLLIER HILL (GB)

Dean McKeown, jockey: "He did two nice 1400m canters on the sand today and felt fine. He will go on the grass tomorrow. We'll know more then."

SHAMDALA (FR)

Worked on the turf with Pride, her stable companion, and worked slightly the quicker of the pair, coming home in 25.5 sec.

Alain de Royer Dupre, trainer:

"She's in great form and I think can she do better than last year but I can't ignore the fact that the Vase is going to be a very tough race to win."

SCORPION (IRE)

Continues to impress in his appearance and work and, watching from trackside, his big-race rider Seamus Heffernan said:

"It's a very nice ride to have and I'm looking forward to it. His run in the Breeders' Cup Turf was very good after the lay-off and the lads say he has come on since then. He will work on the turf tomorrow or Friday when the boss [Aidan O'Brien] is here."

SONG OF WIND (JPN)

The Japanese St Leger winner worked calmly on the turf track for his jockey Koshiro Take. His is trainer's travelling-head lad, Kazuhiro Yamayoshi, commented:

"He has lost about 10kilos [22lbs] since he left Japan, but he is eating up well and this is a good sign."

CathayPacific Hong Kong Sprint

TAKEOVER TARGET (AUS)

The likely favourite for the Sprint worked well under Jay Ford, rattling off an 800m breeze in 47.5 sec, finishing in 21.4 sec.

Jay Ford, jockey:

"The horse is in good shape. He's put on a little bit of condition here, but his work has been good. My one slight concern is that that it will have been over two months since his last run in Japan and it would have been ideal to get a race into him just to sharpen him up. But that hasn't been possible, and I hope he'll be sharp enough anyway. We'll find out on Sunday."

MEISHO BOWLER (JPN)

Worked on turf, covering a final 400m in 23.1 sec.

Toshiaki Shirai, trainer:

"He is always a bit reluctant to work on the racecourse and he was like that again this morning. If he works on the uphill gallop at home, then he is never a problem. But his overall condition is good and he is very fit."

DESERT LORD (GB)

John Murray, travelling head lad to trainer, Kevin Ryan:

"He will have a blow on Friday with Desert Lord with his jockey Neil Callan riding."

BENBAUN (GB)

Steve Gaillard, travelling head lad to trainer Mark Wallace:

"He is very well. As good as he was when he was fifth in the Sprinters Stakes in Japan.

He was sixth, best of the foreign horses, in this race last year and that was after he missed the start so we think he can go better this year with a good draw."

RED OOG (AUS)

Joe Pride, trainer:

"He just had a light canter this morning. He is the sort of horse you don't push too hard on the track. I like to keep him fresh. But he seems well and I'm looking forward to Sunday."

ABLE PRINCE (HK)

John Moore, trainer:

"He worked well on the all-weather just there and he's fine, still himself. He'll go well but like I have already said, I think Takeover Target is the one to beat if he is as cherry ripe as he seems to be."

CathayPacific Hong Kong Mile

LINNGARI (SAF)

The South African-trained runner worked quietly on the dirt.

Herman Brown, trainer:

"I can't believe how well the horse has done since he got here. He hasn't left an oat in fact he might have done too well. He will have a strong gallop tomorrow morning and a good breeze up on Saturday. I think he is in pretty good shape."

MUSTAMEET (IRE)

Performed well on the dirt for jockey Declan McDonogh who later said:

"He looks great and feels super. This race has been the plan for a while and Kevin Prendergast [trainer] will be here tomorrow when he will go on the turf."

DANCE IN THE MOOD (JPN)

Easy work on the dirt for the top Japanese mare; later went for a paddock-schooling session.

Travelling-head lad, Tsukasa Uemizu, said:

"She was settled in the paddock ring but in a tense a bit on the way back from the paddock. I thought she wanted to run! Tomorrow 's draw may not matter too much because I think jockey will have her set close to the pace."

Thursday trackwork photos.....
http://www.hkjc.com/english/news/news_2006120714777.htm

The Barrier Draw!
http://www.hkjc.com/english/news/news_2006120714776.htm


Hong Kong Jockey Club

The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup - 10 December 2006

Barrier Draw Results

Horse No. Horse Name Representing Draw No.

1 VENGEANCE OF RAIN HK 2
2 VIVA PATACA HK 8
3 GROWL AUS 7
4 HELLO PRETTY HK 6
5 ART TRADER HK 12
6 HIGH INTELLIGENT HK 1
7 ADMIRE MOON JPN 4
8 PRIDE FR 9
9 ALEXANDER GOLDRUN IRE 10
10 SATWA QUEEN FR 5
11 DIA DE LA NOVIA JPN 11
12 MUSICAL WAY FR 3


The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile - 10 December 2006

Barrier Draw Results

Horse No. Horse Name Representing Draw No.

1 BULLISH LUCK HK 7
2 RAMONTI ITY 12
3 MUSTAMEET IRE 11
4 JOYFUL WINNER HK 2
5 RUSSIAN PEARL HK 10
6 ARMADA HK 5
7 LINNGARI SAF 13
8 REBEL REBEL USA 3
9 BOWMAN'S CROSSING HK 8
10 THE DUKE HK 4
11 FLORAL PEGASUS HK 6
12 DAVE'S BEST HK 9
13 SIR ERNESTO HK 1
14 DANCE IN THE MOOD JPN 14


The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase - 10 December 2006

Barrier Draw Results

Horse No. Horse Name Representing Draw No.

1 MARAAHEL GB 9
2 COLLIER HILL GB 10
3 EGERTON GER 7
4 SCORPION IRE 5
5 SATURN HK 8
6 OUIJA BOARD GB 2
7 KASTORIA IRE 1
8 SHAMDALA FR 3
9 SONG OF WIND JPN 6
10 ADMIRE MAIN JPN 4


The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint - 10 December 2006

Barrier Draw Results

Horse No. Horse Name Representing Draw No.

1 TAKEOVER TARGET AUS 12
2 DESERT LORD GB 4
3 RED OOG AUS 14
4 MEISHO BOWLER JPN 7
5 BENBAUN GB 3
6 SCINTILLATION HK 6
7 SILENT WITNESS HK 2
8 SUNNY SING HK 8
9 NATURAL BLITZ HK 1
10 ABLE PRINCE HK 9
11 DOWN TOWN HK 13
12 ABSOLUTE CHAMPION HK 5
13 BILLET EXPRESS HK 10
14 SHE IS TOSHO JPN 11

* * *

Poor Russian Pearl..... in the 10 hole? This seems to happen every time......

Rress release...

TAKEOVER TARGET - The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint - Sunday 10 December 2006

7 December 2006

It is a practice of The Hong Kong Jockey Club to obtain samples from overseas horses which are to participate in any of the Club's international races after the horse arrives in Hong Kong. From time to time these post-arrival samples show irregularities and when this occurs further samples are taken for analysis from the relevant horse leading up to the race.

Samples taken from TAKEOVER TARGET, subsequent to its arrival in Hong Kong, have shown an irregularity. Leading up to The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint to be run at Sha Tin on Sunday 10 December 2006, further samples will be taken from TAKEOVER TARGET for analysis by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Racing Laboratory.

Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races 2006 Thursday, December 7 Tracknotes & Barrier Draw Reaction

7 December 2006

Overseas Horse December 7 Trackwork Video

Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile



ARMADA (HK) - Barrier 5

John Size, trainer:

"Look, the draw is perfect and he can be positioned right behind the speed. He has done very well since his last run, but this is still a real rise in class. His Mile Trial win was very good but it's fair to say he probably has to improve again on that performance to win this. I'm very happy to have him in the race and hopefully he is still heading upwards - but this is his biggest task."

SIR ERNESTO (HK) - Barrier 1

Derek Cruz, trainer:

"We will lead from that gate. His work has been great and I'm really looking forward to the race."

FLORAL PEGASUS (HK) - Barrier 6

BULLISH LUCK (HK) - Barrier 7

RUSSIAN PEARL (HK) - Barrier 10

All three horses performed sharp dirt hit-outs on Thursday morning in 21.4 or 21.5 sec, according to Turf Timers.

Tony Cruz, trainer:

"I'm happy with their work. Bullish Luck and Russian Pearl are proven many times in this class. Floral Pegasus has yet to prove he can take this step-up but I think he can."

MUSTAMEET (IRE) - Barrier 11

Kevin Prendergast, trainer:

"I saw him for the first time since he left home this morning and I was very happy with him. He is a bit more mature than some of the ones he will be taking on here and he has taken the travel and settled in nicely. That's half the battle because otherwise you've lost before the race is run."

THE DUKE (HK) - Barrier 4

BOWMAN'S CROSSING (HK) - Barrier 8

Caspar Fownes, trainer:

"Happy with those draws, yeah. I think The Duke can win from there, really I do. Maybe I'm asking for the world and I know Armada is the one to beat, but he will get the perfect run from his alley and the other thing is that he is proven in this race, being placed twice, and it's fourth run of the year. Have a look at his record - every time it's his fourth run of the season he wins. He ran very well last time and Olivier [Doleuze, jockey] never drew the stick on him, plus he got crowded at the end.

"With Bowman's Crossing, we injected both his joints to keep him comfortable as he has had problems. A bit more cut in the ground would be nice for him but he's still in great form for a horse that was nearly retired. It's very nice to be going into a race like this with a live outsider's chance."

LINNGARI (SAF) - Barrier 13

Pleased connections with a turf gallop this morning. The draw was less to their liking.

Herman Brown, trainer:

"I'm not happy with that draw at all. It forces us to sit and ride more of a waiting race and to try and run them down in the last 200m."

DANCE IN THE MOOD (JPN) - Barrier 14

Worked well on the dirt 24.1 sec

Naruhito Kasai, work rider:

"She performed strongly in today's fast breeze and it was the exact time that I wanted. The outside draw 14 does not matter."

RAMONTI (ITY) - Barrier (12)

Worked on the dirt in 24.3 sec and connections plan a similar outing tomorrow.

Endo Botti, jockey:

"We are going to go on with him but he doesn't have to lead. As long as he is relaxed near the front it's okay."

JOYFUL WINNER (HK) - Barrier 2

"I wouldn't say he is peaking at the moment, but from gate two he will be a touch worse than midfield, but not right out the back. I think he has a rough outside chance.

Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup

VENGEANCE OF RAIN (HK) - Barrier 2

David Ferraris, trainer:

"It's a fantastic barrier, I'm delighted with it. The horse is in great shape and it's been well reported how well his work has gone leading up to now. He will have one final blow tomorrow. His coat his shining and though I know that no horse has ever won back-to-back Cups before, I'm as confident now as I was last year when he won."

HELLO PRETTY (HK) - Barrier 6

His excellent blow out on the dirt in 21.3 sec certainly pleased connections.

Tony Cruz, trainer:

"He's spot-on. He's raring to go and he will run very well - it's a beautiful gate too: he will have a trouble-free run from six."

SATWA QUEEN (FR)- Barrier 5

Jean de Roualle, trainer:

"She took a little time to get over her trip back from the Breeders' Cup and lost a bit of weight and was very flat for a week or so. But then she started to pick up again very quickly, and when we got the invitation to Hong Kong I was able to start training her again. She's fairly easy to keep fit. She had her last piece of work before she shipped and will just canter between now and the race on the all weather - she doesn't need a turf gallop."

GROWL (AUS) - Barrier 7

David Hayes, trainer:

"I can assure you this horse is as well as he can possibly be. But as to whether he can win, I really don't know. This year the Cup looks particularly strong and racing right-handed is foreign to him but I'm confident that he is much better than his last performance [when 2nd in the Gr.1 Mackinnon Stakes] and I think he can easily run in the first three."

VIVA PATACA (HK) - Barrier 8

Topped off his preparation by working on the dirt in 23.8 sec

John Moore, trainer:

"He has come on in leaps and bounds since his last run. While this horse absolutely must have cover, from gate eight he has a few options. He has a very good each way chance if Soumillon can get him in."

ADMIRE MOON(JPN) - Barrier 4

Trainer Hiroyoshi Matsuda

"He is really relaxed and in good form. He did not gallop full speed today [clocked a time of 24.6 sec] but he liked the dirt track. He will be out on the turf course on Saturday to set him for the race. I think the turf course will suit him. The draw in four is also good. He is ready for the race."

PRIDE (FR) - Barrier 9

Christophe Lemaire, jockey:

"That's perfect, the draw. Not too much inside or outside."

"I just hope it won't be a slow pace and a tactical race as she can be a bit fresh and it could cause problems. But she knows this place, has had a great season and has got a big heart.

"I cannot say she is the best I have ever sat on because I've ridden some great horses like Heart's Cry and Divine Proportions over different distances. But she's retiring and I'm going to miss her an awful lot. Like Ouija Board, she is a star and she is good for racing in general."

DIA DE LA NOVIA(JPN) - Barrier 11

Zipped along the dirt well in 22.5 for big race jockey, Yuichi Fukunaga:

"She did it well, she looks great and is in good condition. She is very relaxed and answered me nicely in her gallop.

"The outside draw is better for me because I don't want to be sandwiched in the field if the pace isslow as some believeit will be."

Trackwork notes (continued)...

Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint

SILENT WITNESS (HK) - Barrier 2

"You can't ask for any more than that," jockey Felix Coetzee said after the dual champion covered 400m on the dirt in 21.6 sec.

"I'm just hoping that he can draw an inside gate now because that will be an advantage of a length or two."

Tony Cruz, trainer:

"The horse is healthy and I still think he has got what it takes and he can win this race again. He's a big, gross horse, and the more you train him, somehow the more weight he puts on - but you have to live that. The main thing right now is that he's healthy."

TAKEOVER TARGET (AUS) - Barrier 12

Joe Janiak, trainer:

"I can only blame myself for the barrier draw but it's not the end of the world."

(Janiak was buoyed when told barrier 12 had the best winning strike rate from the 1200m start.)

MEISHO BOWLER (JPN) - Barrier 7

Delivered perhaps the best workout seen this week from the overseas contingent with a cracking gallop in 21.0 on the dirt.

Yuichi Fukunaga, jockey:

"He is sometimes reluctant to work, but he wasn't like that this morning. Everything is set for Sunday and he really is in good form. He is very consistent. I know for Japanese runners, this is the most difficult race to win, but it suits us now that the race is over 1200m around a bend. We have a big chance."

Toshiaki Shirai, trainer:

"Draw seven is neither too inside nor too outside. It fits him well."

RED OOG (AUS) - Barrier 14

Joe Pride, trainer:

"It's not good, the barrier. When he wins he's invariably midfield inside and just four or five lengths off them so what we do from 14, I'm not too sure. I should have drawn it myself instead of the owner!"

Before the draw, Pride said:

"I have had a good look at the opposition on the track this week and one of the horse who has really taken my eye is the Japanese sprinter Meisho Bowler. He looks a pretty good horse to me and obviously Takeover Target is the one to beat and he looks well. The bottom line for us is not so much the opposition but getting the right run with plenty of pressure up front."

SHE IS TOSHO (JPN) - Barrier 11

Keniichi Ikezoe, jockey:

"I will work her with a half-speed gallop on Saturday morning and that will ready her for the race. The draw in 11 is fine."

SCINTILLATION - Barrier 6

Danny Shum, trainer:

"The horse has been pleasing me in his work of late and I think he is back to his best and if he is I am sure he will run a big race. I feel he is much better now than he was after his layoff [after a bleeding attack]. I'm not saying he will win, but he will run much closer than last time."

DOWN TOWN (HK) - Barrier 13

Did an impressive final workout in 22.5 sec for the run home on the sand.

Dennis Yip, trainer

"He's very well and the work with Olivier [Doleuze] was good too. After he was second in the Sprint Trial we felt he would be good enough to place in the big one on Sunday and with a good draw he can do the same."

DESERT LORD (GB) - Barrier 4

Kevin Ryan, trainer:

"I wanted the draw to be from gate one and six so I couldn't ask for better than that. The horse looks marvellous. He has had an uninterrupted preparation and has settled in and eaten well.He is very quick,but I am sure the 1200m will be no problem. He is uncomplicated and I would like to think hegets a breather around the bend. He never looks like stopping so the long straight shouldn't hold any fears."

BENBAUN (GB) - Barrier 3

Mark Wallace, trainer:

"I think he is as well as I've had him and we just need a good draw - he has only run round a bend once, in Japan,where he finished fifth, and he was unlucky that day,though we would not have beaten Takeover Target."

SUNNY SING - Barrier 8

Matthew Wong, owner:

"We have targeted this race since his win in the Sha Tin Sprint Trophy over 1000m. It's not a bad gate since we will be coming from the back."

John Moore, trainer:

"He's cherry ripe and he will avoid any traffic from a middle gate. He was in the wrong part of the track last start so forget that."

BILLET EXPRESS- Barrier 10

Came into the race at 11th hour after the pre-declaration withdrawal of Fast Parade who was not pleasing his trainer in his work.

John Moore, trainer:

"He's a Group One winner so he is entitled to be there. It will be tough to win this one, though."

Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase

SCORPION (IRE) - Barrier 5

Breezed on the turf under Seamus Heffernan, his jockey:

"He worked very well. He felt great. He's a very straightforward horse so I don't think tactics in the race will be too much of an issue but it depends what Aidan [O'Brien trainer] tells me. He will be here on Saturday.

"Scorpion is still lightly raced so we've every reason to believe he is still improving and even if he's a St Leger winner he's a still very fast horse. He has loads of class."

KASTORIA (IRE) - Barrier 1

Jimmy O'Neill, head lad to trainer John Oxx:

"The work there was fine. Mick Kinane will be on her tomorrow on the turf to stretch her legs and John Oxx will be here as well. I know she disappointed a bit in Canada but the ground there was very soft and the only other time she was below par was on a similar surface. She will love the going here and she seems very well to me."

OUIJA BOARD (GB) - Barrier 2

Worked on the turf in 22.8 sec under Frankie Dettori.

Ed Dunlop, trainer;

"No problems there with the draw and I can tell you that Frankie said she was awesome this morning so that's good enough for me. The signs are good. Her bodyweight is right and I just hope that it's not one race too many. We would like a good pace. Sha Tin's mile-and-a-half is easier than the one in Tokyo and Frankie rides it brilliantly.

MARAAHEL (GB) - Barrier 9

Richard Hills, jockey:

"He can be a bit of a fidget in the stalls but if things go okay there I would like to have him sitting in midfield. He ran a fantastic race a year ago [third to Vengeance Of Rain in the Cup] and he's in top form. He's an old hand at this game."

SONG OF WIND(JPN) - Barrier 6

Travelling-head lad Kazuhiro Yamayoshi:

"We just want to keep him relaxed so that's why we gave him only light work today."

ADMIRE MAIN(JPN) - Barrier 4

Worked very nicely on the dirt in 22.7 sec.

Mitsuru Hashida, trainer:

"He looked very sharp this morning. He is confirmed a frontrunner and if he can show his true performance he has a big chance. The draw in four is fine, because we have a little time until getting to the first bend and he will like the ground."

EGERTON (GER) - Barrier 7

Torsten Mundry, jockey

"If he can finish in the first five it will be a good run."

So I guess TT might be out. That's a shame.....
http://www.skysports.com/skysports/a...243269,00.html

This may be a dumb question, but which field do you think is tougher, the Cup or the Vase?

--Dunbar

Finally! TRACKWORK VIDEO!!!!! :cool:

http://www.cxhkir.com/english/hkir20..._trackwork.asp

According to BH, Fast Parade is out.....

http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=36654

Oh duh... i didn't see this. Sorry!

So overwhelmed watching the trackwork... can I have a little time to think? :D

Is TVG broadcasting the races? If so, what time? My daughter and I stayed up to watch the Japan Cup races 2 weeks ago. We'd love to watch Ouija Board's last race live. Thanks, Deb