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| Staff Writer |
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The remarkable story of how a bargain online purchase has made its way to contest Sunday's US$4.6 million Gr.1 Longines Hong Kong Mile heads a fascinating renewal of the Sha Tin feature, with international challengers looking to capitalise on the absence of legendary Golden Sixty.
Antino, trained by Tony Gollan, represents one of racing's more peculiar tales. Purchased for just US$17,000 by Hong Kong businessman Jeetu Ramchandani on a whim at the 2020 New Zealand Ready To Run Sale, the gelding has since amassed over US$1.4 million in prize money despite initial veterinary concerns that likely contributed to his bargain price.
The Australian star secured his maiden Group One success with a commanding six-and-a-half length victory in the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap before running a narrow second to eight-time Group One winner Mr Brightside in the Gr.1 VRC Champions Mile. His progression through the ranks has included victories at Group Two and Group Three level, marking him as one of Australia's most improved milers.
Blake Shinn, who brings valuable Hong Kong experience to the partnership, returns to the saddle after missing Antino's last start through suspension. The combination of Shinn's local knowledge and the horse's strong finishing style could prove crucial, particularly if the anticipated fast pace materialises.
French challenger Lazzat, trained by Jerome Reynier, enters the contest following his first career defeat in Australia's Golden Eagle. The son of Territories had previously been unbeaten in six starts, including an impressive three-length victory in the Gr.1 Prix Maurice de Gheest.
Reynier's return to Hong Kong carries added significance, following a disappointing experience four years ago when Covid restrictions hampered his previous international runners. The Marseille-based trainer has been encouraged by Lazzat's adaptation to Hong Kong conditions, though he harbours some concerns about the mile distance for his sprinting star.
Japanese contender Jantar Mantar adds further depth to the international contingent. The 3YO, returning from a break since his Gr.1 NHK Mile Cup triumph in May, has impressed in his preparation at Sha Tin, with jockey Yuga Kawada reporting positive signs ahead of Sunday's test.
The Hong Kong Mile, first run in 1991, has seen champions like Good Ba Ba and Beauty Generation secure multiple victories, with the recently retired Golden Sixty adding his name to the honour roll with successive wins in 2021 and 2022. His retirement has opened up new opportunities for this year's contestants.
Local challengers Voyage Bubble and Galaxy Patch represent Hong Kong's interests in a truly international field that also includes Japanese runner Soul Rush. Their familiarity with Sha Tin's unique characteristics could prove advantageous against the visiting contingent.
"Obviously the owner bought him online at a ready to run sale from New Zealand and he is a New Zealand-bred horse who has made his way to Queensland in Australia," Gollan said of Antino. "It's quite remarkable to get back over here and it's fantastic for his owner to have the horse racing here on such a big day. It's a full circle for this horse, that's for sure."
Discussing Golden Sixty's absence, Gollan acknowledged its significance: "It would have made things a little bit different, wouldn't it. It's a hypothetical question but would I have come here to take on a $1.40 local? Maybe not."
Reynier reflected on Lazzat's preparation: "He wasn't beaten in six starts before the Golden Eagle and he didn't get the best trip. He didn't jump well out of the gate and he had a horse putting so much pressure on him all the way through. He was very tough to keep that second place."
The French trainer added insight into his concerns about the distance: "I prefer him over shorter. The Maurice de Gheest was over six-and-a-half furlongs, which was just ideal and it's very hard to find similar conditions. On fast ground, he should handle the conditions and hopefully there's another leader this time."
For Queensland's champion trainer Gollan, Sunday represents a significant milestone: "It's probably dawned on me as we get closer to Sunday. It's a big week," he said, preparing for his first international runner.
The Mile shapes as an intriguing contest where international form lines converge. The absence of Golden Sixty has created a more open affair, with each challenger bringing unique credentials to what promises to be a fascinating renewal of one of Hong Kong's premier international races.