In a reversal of his troubled third in the Group 1 English Derby earlier this month, Westover had a perfect trip in Saturday’s Group 1 Irish Derby at the Curragh, winning his first race at the highest level by seven lengths.
In Saturday’s Group 1 Irish Derby at the Curragh, Westover and the filly Tuesday will be the first two choices in a field of eight, with both likely to be prices ranging from 7-5 to 3-2. They bring excellent credentials to the $1.05 million Irish Derby, run at 1 1/2 miles.
The tight duel between Joao Moreira and Zac Purton for the riding title in Hong Kong took an unexpected turn on Wednesday when Moreira was removed from his final eight mounts at Happy Valley Racecourse by racing officials because of chest pains.
The Grade 1 Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin Racecourse in Japan on Sunday has drawn such a strong field that Efforia, the country’s 2021 Horse of the Year, could easily be overshadowed by recent Grade 1 and Group 1 winners Panthalassa, Potager, and Titleholder.
She has the least experience in a field of 10. She is a 3-year-old filly racing against older males, and she drew the outside post. It would seem conditions would be against Royal Dress in a five-furlong handicap at tiny Donald Racecourse in Australia on Sunday. But Royal Dress has recent form that indicates she can overcame those obstacles.
Hong Kong Selections for Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Sha Tin.
From wins in a $710,000 sales progeny stakes in January to a Group 1 last month, the quick Australian mare Snapdancer is in the midst of her best season this year. The victories have come at six and 6 1/2 furlongs, which makes her presence in Saturday’s Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara Stakes at seven furlongs at Eagle Farm Racecourse more of a test.
Declan Schuster's Hong Kong Selections and Analysis for Saturday, June 25 at Sha Tin.
In the last year, Fanmalia has had a disrupted campaign in Australia that consisted of a six-month layoff in the second half of 2021, a win in his comeback, and five losses this year. A few of the recent losses have been close, giving Fanmalia a chance for a fifth career win in his 20th start in a one-mile handicap at Tamworth Racecourse on Friday.
Slightly more than three weeks after an impressive debut, Irememberwhen will face winners for the first time in a five-furlong handicap at Moe Racecourse in Australia.
