The stars are out in force at Sha Tin on Sunday at the dress rehearsal before the Hong Kong Internationals next month, and three key races this weekend will determine the selections to carry the home team defence on December 14.
The Jockey Club Sprint, Jockey Club Mile and Jockey Club Cup are Group Two races which could make or break the chances of being included on the main day for some and an opportunity to get closer to peak fitness for those which are assured of a place.
This year, the Jockey Club Sprint has been spiced up by the appearance of Singapore’s newest champion, the unbeaten Spalato, who is being compared with former world champion Rocket Man but is more versatile as he has won from 1000m to 2000m.
Hong Kong has had stronger sprint lists in past years than it has currently but Spalato will still run into ageing warrior Lucky Nine resuming, Dubai winners Sterling City and Amber Sky and Aerovelocity, Frederick Engels and Charles The Great as well as up and comers like Peniaphobia.
In the Jockey Club Mile, Japan’s All-Aged Stakes winner in Sydney, Hana’s Goal, lines up for her international lead in but this is a tough category in Hong Kong.
Ambitious Dragon, Able Friend and Gold-Fun will take some shifting, with the likely favoruite Able Friend, who is on the verge of becoming the best local miler and is fitter for his first-up run over 1,200m.
Likewise, Hong Kong is looking very strong at the middle distance and the Jockey Club Cup over 2,000m features frontline Hong Kong Cup players Designs On Rome, Military Attack, California Memory and Blazing Speed, last year’s winner of this race, Endowing, as well as Dominant and Willie Cazals who are preparing for the 2,400m Vase next month.
By Nathan Mody
