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Disappointing Weekend in Hong Kong

19 December, 2017

On December 10th eight Japanese trained horses participated in the Longines Hong Kong International Races. However, it was not a successful expedition as it has been in the past. While the "Kimigayo" didn't play out over Sha Tin Racecourse, they all put in an effort worth being proud of.

In the Hong Kong Vase, Kiseki(JPN) was heavily backed by the local punters, but it was Tosen Basil(JPN) who made a splash finishing a solid third behind globe trotter Highland Reel(IRE) and Breeders' Cup Turf winner Talismanic(GB). There is no dishonor behind finishing third to two of the world's best stayers. After finishing 9th, an abnormality was discovered on an x-ray of Kiseki(JPN)'s right-fore leg. Hopefully, it won't be serious enough to keep him out of training for long.

The Hong Kong Sprint is one of the most difficult races for non-local horses to win as their sprinters have been carefully selected from the best in Australia and New Zealand, with Mr Stunning(AUS) capturing the title this year. Once in a Moon(JPN) broke well from her desirable barrier but Peniaphobia(IRE) bullied her a bit as they ran on, so she was pushed back and faded to 12th. Runner-up in both of Japan's G1 sprint races, Let's Go Donki(JPN) missed the break which kept her out of the action, but she was able to rally for 6th by the end.

The Hong Kong Mile was meant to be G1 Yasuda Kinen winner Satono Aladdin(JPN)'s swan song, but unfortunately, an unusually poor performance had him finish 11th after seeming to be rallying for a big run as they turned for home. A vet check after the race discovered that he had bled, which would explain his lackluster finish. He will now be retired to stud for the 2018 breeding season.

The crown jewel of the Longines Hong Kong International Races is the Hong Kong Cup and much to the joy of the locals it was captured by the Hong Kong-trained Time Warp(GB). Japan's contingency wasn't too far back with Neorealism(JPN), Staphanos(JPN), and Smart Layer(JPN) finishing third, fourth, and fifth respectively. Neorealism(JPN) broke sharply and was well positioned throughout the race but wouldn't settle for his jockey Joao Moreira and later was boxed in by Smart Layer as they turned for home. Smart Layer(JPN), was forwardly placed as well but faded back to 5th as they neared the finish line. Staphanos(JPN) became a victim yet again of a slow pace but rallied to finish fourth.

Hong Kong-trained horses took three of the four international races this year, but it will not dissuade the Japanese from trying again next year with a new crop of challengers.


Please contact our representative below for further details:
Satomi Oka (Ms)
Satomi Oka Bloodstock Pty Ltd
E-mail : satomi@bloodstock.jp
Tel : +61 414 414 450