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| Staff Writer |
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Arron, the straight-shooting horse, is making steady progress towards the Gr.1 Hong Kong Cup with a commanding win in the Gr.2 Jockey Club Cup. His impressive performance earned praise from both trainer Caspar Fownes and jockey Vincent Ho. With a prize money of HK$36 million, the upcoming race is surely on Arron's radar.
The 5YO Fastnet Rock gelding, having clocked 23.20s over the final 400m, overpowered Sword Point and Money Catcher, confirming Fownes' high opinion of the horse.
“This horse is a quality animal and he's just getting to where he should be now. That was a good result for us and it gives us a chance to get into the big race (LONGINES Hong Kong Cup), which is always tough against the top stayers in the world,” Fownes said.
“But he's earned his spot there and if they can run in the first four or five on international day, it's a job done really.
“Like I said in the interview before the race, if (Straight Arron) couldn't win the way I had him, then I hadn't got him to where I thought I had. I called it a while ago that I thought he was a 120 (rated) horse and he's still got a chance to improve on those numbers.”
Stablemate Senor Toba, who finished fifth today, will be aimed at the HK$24 million Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase by Fownes.
“He ran very well there, Senor Toba. He was a bit held up at the wrong time of the race but his run was good. Both horses have run with a lot of merit and I'm very happy.”
Straight Arron had a slow start from barrier six, and along with Russian Emperor, fell behind Money Catcher, Sword Point and Nimble Nimbus due to the slow early pace.
“At first when they were going very slow, he was a little bit keen. Matthew (Chadwick) outside of me (on Russian Emperor) tried to push me in as well and when they quickened up, I felt more confident,” said Ho, who angled into the clear approaching the home turn before allowing Straight Arron to slip through his gears.
“He is also a good horse, Straight Arron and 2000 (metres) is his best distance as well. We had some ‘prep’ races before this and he’s coming up with this form so we’re glad to see his performance today and he will improve from this and perform at the internationals if he gets in.”
The winner of the race was Straight Arron, who crossed the finish line three-quarters of a length ahead of Sword Point and Money Catcher, who were separated by a neck.