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| Staff Writer |
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In preparation for the LONGINES HKIR, Aidan O'Brien is gearing up for battle. Meanwhile, Rousham Park's Shimpei Oguchi warmed him up in the trotting ring before a gentle canter over 1.5 laps of the all-weather course. Oguchi made sure to keep Rousham Park balanced and relaxed during the canter.
Everything has gone well so far, both physically and mentally, and Rousham Park will gallop on the turf course tomorrow. Similarly, Hishi Iguazu was hacked for 1000m, trotted for 400m, and cantered for 1400m on the all-weather course before walking in the paddock area with his regular work rider Tomohiro Takahashi. Takahashi noted that Hishi Iguazu was more relaxed and settled than the previous day.
As for Prognosis, he had a 1200m gallop on turf, with the last 400m in 24.1. Jockey Yuga Kawada made sure not to overwork him and noted that everything has been going well so far. Trainer Frankie Lor said that Sword Point is all good and will be galloped by Zac Purton tomorrow. Meanwhile, Money Catcher's success will depend on the draw this weekend.
In the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, Highfield Princess trotted and walked most of a lap of the turf course before having a breeze down the home straight. She quickened up over the last couple of furlongs, and trainer John Quinn noted that she's a very good traveler who's traveled over here great.
Lucky With You is not that high class, but his form is good, and Lor hopes that they can get some prize money with a good draw. Mad Cool had an 800m gallop on turf, with the last 400m in 21.5, and Shuhei Nakura noted that he reacted well on the homestretch and that the turf at Sha Tin should suit him.
In the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase, Geraldina had a steady gallop for 800m, with the last 400m in 24.0, and jockey Yuichi Kitamura worked her nicely. Shahryar had an 800m gallop on turf, with the last 400m in 23.9, and trainer Hideaki Fujiwara noted that he is in very good form. Lebensstil had a one and a half lap canter on the all-weather track, and Toshihiko Hokari had a good feeling during his canter.
West Wind Blows did slow work on the all-weather track following yesterday's turf gallop, and track rider and stable representative Paul Holley noted that all is good and that J-Mac was happy with him. In the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile, Namur had an 800m gallop on turf, with the last 400m in 26.5, and Yohei Ogawa said that it was an excellent gallop.
Divina had a 1200m gallop on turf, with the last 400m in 22.7, and Shohei Matsudate noted that she is in very good form. Danon The Kid had an 800m gallop on turf, with the last 400m in 25.2, and Keiichiro Yasuda noted that he performed well and responded positively. Serifos had a 1200m gallop on turf, with the last 400m in 23.3, and jockey Yuga Kawada hopes that he will be relaxed and settled at the racetrack on Sunday. Finally, Lim's Kosciuszko cantered one and a half laps of the all-weather track with jockey Jimmy Wong, and trainer Dan Meagher noted that he is getting better and better every day.