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| Staff Writer |
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Spirit Dancer has given trainer Richard Fahey reason to dream big following his sensational defence of the Bahrain International Trophy, storming to victory under a confident Oisin Orr in record-breaking fashion.
The 7YO, part-owned and bred by former Manchester United supremo Sir Alex Ferguson, delivered a masterclass that saw him clock a time four seconds faster than his previous year's triumph on similar ground.
The son of Frankel is now being aimed at the Gr.1 Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin, where he'll face formidable opposition in Danny Shum's local champion Romantic Warrior, seeking his third consecutive victory in the prestigious contest.
Previous winners of the Hong Kong Cup include the mighty Jim And Tonic, who followed up with success in the Singapore Airlines International Cup, while Snow Fairy landed the prize before claiming Japan's Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup.
"He's fine and the plan is to probably go to Hong Kong if we can," said Fahey. "It's always tough going to Hong Kong but he's lightly raced this year and the plan was to have an overseas trip, so that is what we are doing."
The Musley Bank handler added: "It's all about opinions but the time in the Bahrain International Trophy was four seconds faster than the year before and on similar ground, so the clock says it was a better performance than the year before. It's been a wonderful experience and trip and was thoroughly enjoyed by all."
Spirit Dancer's preparation encountered a brief setback when a mild colic scare prevented his scheduled return to Yorkshire. However, the globetrotter has made a swift recovery, completing three canters in Bahrain since the episode.
"He was due to fly back to England and then fly to Hong Kong but he was taken off the plane with a touch of colic," explained Fahey. "He's been fine since and he's cantered three times in Bahrain since. The horse that was third (Calif) is also flying to Hong Kong, so he's going to fly straight from Bahrain to Hong Kong now."
The international campaigner has already amassed significant prizes this term, including the US$1.5m Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia, building on his impressive victories on the global stage. His connections are now eyeing further glory in the Far East, where the US$4.5m Hong Kong Cup awaits on December 8.