Hong Kong showed off most of its best horses last weekend but it’s a return to standard fare on Sunday, including a timely dirt feature race.
Major attention this weekend is focused on Rich Tapestry, Hong Kong’s first-ever runner at the Breeders’ Cup, and he will run as one of the favourites for the dirt Sprint.
Rich Tapestry’s attempt on Santa Anita, without lasix, has already yielded a Group One win in his lead-up there, made him a propaganda ping pong ball in the US drugs debate and even fired discussion in some Hong Kong racing media about whether the Jockey Club should add an international on dirt to its December meeting.
Club officials insist dirt racing is only a track management tool but Sunday’s ninth race shows off some of the top dirt horses, at least one already slated to tackle Dubai. That is Lord Sinclair, who is half the horse on turf that he is on dirt, so trainer Sean Woods plans to go to Dubai to find suitable targets. His regular partner, Brett Prebble agrees the gelding is Group One material on his surface and he looks the likely favourite from a favourable draw, something he has not had often.
Joao Moreira rides the very talented Access Years in the race and he is looking to get the magic back after just one winner in the last two meetings.
As usual, he isn’t lacking for horsepower, with his best looking race seven on Good Good View, who could have won his last three with better luck, and promising Celestial Smile in the final event.
News also out this week that Japan’s Hana’s Goal and Singapore star Spalato will be at Sha Tin early, having their lead-up to the December internationals in the Jockey Club Mile and Jockey Club Sprint on November 23.
By Nathan Mody
