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| Staff Writer |
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The Foxes demonstrated his international credentials with a sterling fourth in Sunday's Gr.1 Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin, prompting connections to plot further raids on prestigious overseas targets. Trained by Andrew Balding, the 4YO claimed US$307,000 for his efforts despite wrestling with the widest draw under Oisin Murphy.
The King Power Racing colour-bearer, who landed last year's Dante Stakes at York before his Classic placing, had endured a frustrating spell before bouncing back in November's Listed Churchill Stakes on Newcastle's all-weather. That promising display set him up perfectly for his Far East expedition.
Previous winners of the Hong Kong Cup include international stars Flintshire, who went on to land multiple Grade One prizes in America, and A Shin Hikari, who followed up with a devastating display in the Prix d'Ispahan.
Speaking after the race, Alastair Donald, racing manager to the owners, said: "We were really pleased with his run, he was drawn very awkwardly in stall 11 of 11, so we had no choice but to go back. He had a lot of ground to make up on the leaders, with a kinder draw he would have been a close third, but he still won a lot of prize money and it was well worth the trip."
The form looks rock solid with local champion Romantic Warrior proving victorious. Donald added: "He should have won a Group One in America, he was very unlucky there, he's had a few reasons for his lesser runs this year, so it's good to have him back to his best now."
Reflecting on the colt's demeanour, Donald noted: "When he was in Saudi, he just wasn't happy, but in Hong Kong he was relaxed and at his best, there are a lot of options for him now. There are potential races in Qatar and Dubai and then there's also the Winter Derby. We're just going to weigh up how he is over the next few weeks and then decide what the final plan for him is over the winter."