Trainer Caspar Fownes holds some major import interest next season as the Southern Hemisphere-bred three-year-olds turn four, which makes them the classic crop in the context of Hong Kong.
Three of the 15 Group Ones in Hong Kong are for four-year-olds in the first 3 months of the new year, a mix of the Southern Hemisphere group turning four in August and Northern Hemisphere horses aged four as of January 1.
The next 2 months will see Hong Kong trainers on a buying spree in Australia, New Zealand and Europe, but the class of 2013-14 already has a high quality look, with exposed runners including Able Friend, Bobo Dragon, Flagship Shine, All You Wish and Designs On Rome amongst others.
Fownes has already had Lucky Double Eight – formerly Stralia in Melbourne – out twice and he raced above expectations after not looking to have acclimatized in his lead up work. Next season, stronger and more accustomed to his surroundings, he could become one of the better sprinters.
Fownes is also the handler for two rising four-year-olds from Down Under who could become players.
Imperial Champion – formerly Urquidez in Sydney – has been paid an unwanted compliment by the handicapper, with a tough 90 rating to commence his career. That projects him to better form than he has on the board, and won’t make his job easy as far as making an immediate impact, but Imperial Champion is only lightly-raced with five starts.
ATC Australian Derby runner-up, Philippi, begins off a 92 rating but he has the exposed form to justify it and Fownes will expect him to become a leading Hong Kong Derby hope. As yet unnamed in Hong Kong, the Tulloch Stakes winner arrived in July, so he will have some time to become acclimatised before the serious work begins.
By Nathan Mody
