There just aren’t a lot of mile-and-a-half horses in Hong Kong, and if you want proof, look no further than the Group 1, $1,274,600 Standard Chartered Champions and Chater Cup on Sunday at Sha Tin.
Happily will put trainer Aidan O'Brien in the familiar role of starting the favorite in Sunday's Group 1 Irish 1000 Guineas at The Curragh.
Recoletos, third in the Group 1 French Derby in 2017, will be favored to win a Group 1 race for the first time in Sunday's $291,500 Prix d'Ispahan for older horses at Longchamp Racecourse in France.
Danon Premium, unbeaten after four starts and already a Group 1 winner, is the solid antepost favorite in the Japan Derby despite the fact he has never raced beyond 2,000 meters and will be asked to negotiate 2,400 meters (about 1 1/2 miles) Sunday.
Aidan O'Brien has won the Irish 2000 Guineas 11 times since his first such victory in 1997. He has won the race in seven of the past 10 years. But while O'Brien has four runners in this year's edition, including the well-qualified pair of U S Navy Flag and Gustav Klimt, it's the Mark Johnston-trained Elarqam who is the solid antepost favorite for Saturday's race at The Curragh.
Andrew Hawkins' Hong Kong selections and analysis for Sunday, May 27, 2018 - Sha Tin
Hong Kong selections for Wednesday, May 23, 2018 - Happy Valley
Prawn Baba will be the focus of attention in the $236,966 Le French May Trophy at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesdsay.
Andrew Hawkins' Hong Kong selections and analysis for Wednesday, May 23, 2018 - Happy Valley
Almond Eye won her second consecutive Grade 1 race in Sunday’s $2.25 million Japanese Oaks at Tokyo Racecourse, giving winning rider Christophe Lemaire a memorable 39th birthday present. Lemaire helped the cause by giving Almond Eye a cool ride.
