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Paco Lopez 4000 wins Woodbine Turf Showcase Woodward Stakes Day Pennsylvania Derby Day Mohawk Million Night |
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 Aidan O'Brien's string on the track Friday morning. From front to back: Highland Reel, Deauville, Lancaster Bomber, War Decree, and Roly Poly. |
The Longines Hong Kong International Races will be run this Sunday afternoon at Sha Tin Racecourse. As usual, horses from Europe, Asia, and Australia ship in for the four Group 1 races, billed as the Turf World Championships, with the HK$25 million (about US$3.2 million) Hong Kong Cup the highlight of the afternoon, contested at 2000 meters (about 1 1/4 miles). Conditions were excellent during training hours Friday, with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 60's.
Here are photos for 12 of the international horses out on on the all-weather track and turf course at Sha Tin on Friday morning. Click the small photo to see a larger version.
 Poet's Word (Cup) worked 4f in 56.0 seconds on the turf, blowing out the final furlong in 11.6 seconds, then schooled in the paddock. Kevin Bradshaw, assistant to trainer Sir Michael Stoute said, "Happy with that this morning. He's well." |
 Robin of Navan (Cup) walked the shedrow and then cantered once around the all-weather track. Christina Dunlop, wife and assistant to trainer Harry said: "We're very pleased to have Sam on board on Sunday and the colt looked good together this morning. He'll do a slightly stronger piece of work tomorrow." |
 Smart Layer (Cup) schooled in the paddock and starting gate and then galloped on the turf. Assistant trainer Kota Kato said: "This was her second time schooling so she was very relaxed. She is switched on and really keen to run. We'll take her out on the all-weather tomorrow." |
 Stephanos (Cup) schooled in the paddock and starting gate before galloping on the turf. Trainer Hideaki Fujiwara said: "They did well today. Very relaxed. We might take them out on the all-weather tomorrow." |
 Chemical Charge (Vase) worked 3f in 46.0 seconds, out the final furlong in 15.4, before schooling in the paddock. Trainer Ralph Beckett said: "He's in good shape, and his weight is fine. We've felt for some time that going right-handed on fast ground would be ideal. He's got a good draw (4) and I think he'll run his race but it does look one of the strongest Vases for some time." |
 Danehill Kodiac (Vase) schooled in the paddock and then worked 1/8 mile in 13.4 seconds on the all-weather track. Trainer Richard Hannon said: "All the reports have been good this week, and I'm happy with what I've seen this morning." Co-owner Andy Smith commented: "Unlike yesterday he didn't try to bite or kick me, which was encouraging! He's not bred to be a stayer but that really seems to be his strength. I know we're outsiders but I won't be surprised if we take home some prizemoney on Sunday." |
 Smart Call (Vase) schooled in the paddock and galloped on the turf. |
 Tosen Basil (Vase) schooled in the paddock and starting gate before galloping on the turf. Trainer Hideaki Fujiwara said: "They did well today. Very relaxed. We might take them out on the all-weather tomorrow." |
 Once in a Moon (Sprint) schooled in the paddock. Race rider Zac Purton said: "I worked her in a gallop yesterday. She quickened up nicely and she extended very well and I think she should be good for the weekend. I think she can run well. For her, the draw (2) is a big help. The Hong Kong horses are very quick, so we need to be faster to try to get them. I would be happy if I could lead, but it just depends how much pressure comes from the others. If they go faster, I have to take her to behind the lead." |
 Signs of Blessing (Sprint) worked 4f on the turf in 56.0 seconds, out the final furlong in 11.6 under jockey Stephane Pasquier. Pasquier said, "He moved very well this morning and he kept straight and showed plenty of desire, all of which is very important with him. He is in very good shape, and with a much better draw than last year [5] I should be able to ride him a bit closer to the pace. It depends on how fast they go and he can get disheartened if the pace is very quick. But you saw here last year that he was able to follow the pace in Hong Kong easily enough." |
 Stormy Liberal (Sprint) schooled in the paddock and starting gate before galloping on the all-weather. |
 Lightning Spear (Mile) worked 4f on the turf in 50.4 seconds, out the final furlong in 11.8 under Jenny Simcock, assistant to husband David. Jenny said, "We went on the grass this morning for the first time and he had a nice little workout. I didn't ask him to do too much as he's plenty fit enough and overall I'm very happy with him. He's drawn in one so we'll see how that works out. He won't be on the lead but I hope he can get a nice position in the race from there." |
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