 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Ahead of Sunday's LONGINES HKIR, Aidan O'Brien's Luxembourg took a canter around the all-weather course with three stablemates behind a lead horse. Trainer Aidan O'Brien said that jockey Patrick Murphy has been riding him all week and is very happy with his performance. Meanwhile, Horizon Dore kept to his usual gentle canter around the course and closed in a pedestrian 26.4 seconds over the closing 400m, the same time he clocked on Tuesday.
Rousham Park worked over 1200m on the turf, while Hishi Iguazu–JPN worked over 800m. Prognosis – JPN had a one-hour hand walk, and stable representative Yasunari Kiyoyama said that he is in good form and sound after yesterday’s work.
In the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, Highfield Princess did not appear on the track on Thursday. Trainer John Quinn said that they had her out yesterday, and his stable jockey is coming tomorrow to sit on her. Aesop’s Fables – cantered around the all-weather course with three Aidan O’Brien stablemates behind a lead horse, and trainer Aidan O’Brien said that he’s a big, laid-back individual. Duke Wai – HKG is in good condition, according to trainer Pierre Ng, and he has maintained it since his last run. Mad Cool – JPN had a one-hour handwalk, and stable representative Shuhei Nakura said that there are no issues after galloping him yesterday.
In the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase, Junko jogged most of a lap of the Sha Tin turf track under work rider Frank Panicucci before breezing home in 25.2 seconds behind stablemate Tribalist (Mile). Lebensstil had a one-and-a-half-lap canter on the all-weather track, and Toshihiko Hokari, the stable representative, said that he is improving every day.
Zeffiro galloped 1200m (last 400m in 23.5) under the work rider Yutaro Amamoto, and Yuki Iwasaki, the representative for trainer Yasutoshi Ikee, said that he was breathing well and moving nicely towards the end of the gallop. West Wind Blows – UAE went easy today and will probably do the same tomorrow, according to track rider and stable representative Paul Holley. Warm Heart – IRE cantered around the all-weather course with three other Aidan O’Brien stablemates behind a lead horse, and trainer Aidan O’Brien said that everything has gone well so far.
In the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile, Namur had 30 minutes of walking and 30 minutes of hand walking. Stable representative Yohei Ogawa said that she is in good form and not at all tired after her gallop yesterday. Divina – JPN had a one-hour handwalk, and stable representative Shohei Matsudate said that she continues to stay exceptionally calm and enjoys the environment at Sha Tin.
Danon The Kid also had a one-hour hand walk, and stable representative Keiichiro Yasuda said that he maintains his appetite and everything is in good order after his workout yesterday. Soul Rush – JPN galloped over 1200m (last 400m in 23.5) working in tandem with his stablemate Zeffiro under exercise rider Yuki Iwasaki. Johann Herve led home stablemate Junko in a comfortable 1200m gallop (last 400m in 25.1). Trainer Dan Meagher said that Lim’s Kosciuszko – SIN just went 400m a little bit quicker, and Jimmy Wong, the rider, said that he is getting better every day. Cairo cantered around the all-weather course with three other Aidan O’Brien stablemates behind a lead horse, and trainer Aidan O’Brien is hopeful that he will run well.