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Del Mar Debutante Pacific Classic Day Pat O'Brien Stakes King's Plate results Del Mar Oaks |
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 The Aidan O'Brien string comes out on Wednesday morning. |
The Longines Hong Kong International Races will be run this Sunday afternoon (Saturday night in North America) 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$28 million (about US$3.6 million) Hong Kong Cup the highlight of the afternoon, contested at 2000 meters (about 1 1/4 miles). Conditions were excellent during training hours Wednesday, with sunny skies and a daytime high of 21 C (70 F) Many contenders took to the 1 mile dirt track which is located inside the 1 3/16 mile turf course.
Here are photos for 16 of the international horses out on on the dirt track and turf course at Sha Tin on Wednesday morning. Click the small photo to see a larger version.
 Edisa (Cup) worked 4f on dirt in 57.20 seconds under exercise rider Louise Grouselle, who said, "She did a normal canter this morning, no more than that. She is in good form, is very relaxed and mentally calm. She is moving well and is very well balanced. I've ridden her since she first came to us as a baby and it's great the way she has developed. She has really got a lot stronger in the last few months." |
 Anthony Van Dyck (Vase) cantered 1 mile on the dirt supervised by assistant trainer Pat Keating. Trainer Aidan O'Brien said by telephone: "I think they'll do a canter on the grass on Thursday morning but they don't need much because obviously we think they're in good shape. Pat travelled out with them, as well as Michael (De Aguiar), Dean (Gallagher), Yvonne (Zurcher) along with Sarah (O'Brien) and Ana (O'Brien), they're all very happy with them." |
 Aspetar (Vase) galloped twice around the dirt track. |
 Deirdre (Vase) worked 6f in 1:24.90 under jockey Oisin Murphy, who said, "She is really fit and ready for the race. She understands what she has to do over the week. She is in very good form and I hope she will keep the good condition to the end of the week." |
 Lucky Lilac (Vase) worked 6f on turf in 1:18.50. Assistant trainer Eishu Maruuchi said, "We've been making slight adjustments to her training both here and in Japan to make sure we can get the best out of her here. She seems to be responding very well. The track has a nice bounce to it and it seems really easy to run on." |
 Prince of Arran (Vase) worked 6f in 1:24.80 on durt under exercise rider Natasha Eaton. Assistant trainer Cheryl Armstrong said, "He's been eating his feed and is very fresh which is nice to see. He hasn't got a problem in the world! He'll have a blow out on the turf tomorrow." |
 True Self (Vase) galloped once around the dirt track. David Casey, assistant to trainer Willie Mullins said, "We just went for a couple of canters, I'm very happy with her. We might just go on the turf track tomorrow, perhaps do a half-speed." |
 Young Rascal (Vase) cantered 1 mile on the dirt. Chris Durham, representing trainer William Haggas said, "His condition is getting better and better and he's come out of his Kempton race really well. We've always thought he'd want a trip, he's a big horse, he's matured a lot better over the years. He's definitely stronger now. He's only lost a few kilos and put that straight back on. Everything's gone good so far. He was a bit of a rascal and maybe he was a little bit weak going into the Derby. This is my first time in Hong Kong, I've been to the Breeders' Cup and Dubai. Hong Kong is a lovely place and you get treated well, it's fantastic." |
 Indy Champ (Mile) breezed 6f on turf in 1:24.50. Assistant trainer Kenichi Shono said, "He was a bit distracted by the grandstand this morning but once we got him focused, he moved well. He is in good condition." |
 Normcore (Mile) breezed 4f in 51.30 on turf then schooled in the paddock. Exercise rider Masaaki Minamida said, "She moved beautifully and was enthusiastic in a good way. She felt really great. It was a nice workout this morning. I am glad that she has been doing well so far." Trainer Kiyoski Hagiwara added, "Everything has gone smoothly so far. She was able to grab the turf surface well with her feet and we have no concern about the track condition. Tomorrow's training plan will be decided after we see her condition." |
 Persian Knight (Mile) cantered 1 1/2 miles on the dirt, covering 2f in 30.60 seconds. Assistant trainer Isao Saito said: "He felt really good this morning and I think he had a good preparation work for tomorrow's gallop on turf." |
 Zaaki (Mile) galloped once around the dirt under exercise rider Fabien Guilois. Assistant trainer Sarah Denniff said, "He's travelled well and seems happy. He might go on the turf tomorrow." |
 Danon Smash (Sprint) worked 6f on turf in 1:22.20. Exercise rider Keiichiro Yasuda said, "He has relaxed a lot. He wasn't as tense as before, so he was able to do a good breeze today. He is in good condition." |
 In Her Time (Sprint) galloped once around the dirt track. Assistant trainer Cameron Swan said, "She is in really good order and feels great. She looks trim. She's back to her peak racing weight and has taken the travel in her stride." |
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