The Hong Kong focus at the top end of the game will be on Singapore this weekend, where five visitors attempt to take out the two big internationals at Kranji for the third straight year.
Hong Kong has dominated the International Cup and KrisFlyer Sprint in 2013 and 2014, and Lucky Nine is back to try for a third straight KrisFlyer win but has stern opposition from Aerovelocity and Rich Tapestry.
In the Cup, the past two winners do battle again, Military Attack and Dan Excel, and John Moore in particular is approaching the race with confidence in Dan Excel. His failed trip to Australia late last year meant he was very late back to racing this season but looks to be hitting his top now, just in time for Kranji.
At home on Saturday at Sha Tin, it’s all about which race the Magic Man, Joao Moreira, breaks Douglas Whyte’s 114-win record for victories in a season, after a treble midweek brought the Brazilian jockey level with the South African’s best year.
As usual, Moreira has some great prospects all day, looks the one they have to beat on Celestial Smile in the ‘fast class’ race of the day and he has two very interesting runners for John Size in Sun Jewellery and Amazing Kids.
Sun Jewellery won two of four starts for Peter Moody when named Tan Tat Sun in Australia and has been trialling the house down at Sha Tin.
Amazing Kids won for Craig Williams at his Hong Kong debut in March then had a minor setback but, with Moreira booked, is sure to be well fancied even though he meets another very good three-year-old in Super Talent.
Both these horses look to have the makings of Group One Classic Mile prospects for next season, and their clash looks a highlight of the day.
By Nathan Mody
