Hong Kong: Japanese horses major presence in International Races
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
Yes, there is a 10-race program Dec. 5 at Sha Tin Racecourse, but attention in the jurisdiction already has turned to the Hong Kong International Races on Dec. 12.
The dozen Japanese horses expected to be entered in the races arrived earlier this week in Hong Kong, 10 flying from Japan, and Loves Only You and Vin de Garde traveling from California, where they raced Nov. 6 in the Breeders’ Cup. Vin de Garde proved no factor in the BC Mile but Loves Only You became the first Japan-based winner of a Breeders’ Cup race when she captured the Filly and Mare Turf. Loves Only You this past April won the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup over 2,000 meters at Sha Tin and is likely to be favored next Sunday going the same trip in the Hong Kong Cup.
The Hong Kong horses for the 2,000-meter Cup and the 2,400-meter Hong Kong Vase seem subpar going into this year’s renewals and shippers will look strong in both races. Europeans Dubai Honour, Mac Swiney, and Bolshoi Ballet are expected runners in the Cup, but Loves Only You will take plenty of beating if she can hold her form.
:: Hong Kong: Free PPs, picks, analysis, replays, and live streaming
:: Download DRF's Guide to Betting Hong Kong Racing
The Vase and the Hong Kong Sprint should prove competitive but Hong Kong’s best horse, Golden Sixty, will be expected to win his second straight Hong Kong Mile. Golden Sixty tuned up for the first major goal of his campaign with an excellent Group 3 win last month and on Friday morning in Hong Kong had a very easy breeze over the Sha Tin dirt track, clocking 1:23.5 for 1,200 meters.
Post positions for the quartet of Group 1s will be drawn Thursday.
As for this Sunday’s card, the feature comes with race 7, a Class 2 dirt handicap over 1,200 meters for horses rated 105-80. Top-rated at 103 and one of the better dirt horses in Hong Kong last season is Will Power, who must tote 133 pounds making his first start since knee chips that required surgical removal sidelined him last June. Silver Fig, weighted at 127 and breaking from post 1, has won his last three Sha Tin dirt starts, all Class 2s over this 1,200-meter trip.
Post time for the card is midnight Eastern. Catch all the action at DRFBets.com.