By Maddy Playle
Harry Eustace believes a different preparation can unlock an improved performance from Docklands in the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) on 26 April.
The six-year-old is no stranger to Hong Kong as he has run in the last two editions of the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), including a smart fourth-place finish behind Voyage Bubble in December.
Paul Lally:
R1: 2-10-11-4
R2: 8-7-11-2
R3: 6-1-10-4
R4: 8-7-2-13
R5: 3-9-11-5
R6: 1-4-11-5
R7: 10-12-9-7
R8: 6-3-5-4
R9: 3-7-1-4
R10: 10-5-3-2
R11: 4-6-8-13
Best Bet R9 N3 Everyone’s Star
Longshot R4 N8 Voyage Boss
Play R11 QQP 4-6-8
Tom Wood:
R1: 10-1-2-3
R2: 1-7-3-11
R3: 1-2-6-11
R4: 7-13-2-10
R5: 11-9-3-6
R6: 12-5-11-3
R7: 5-1-10-9
R8: 3-11-6-5
R9: 3-4-1-10
R10: 5-2-10-1
R11: 4-3-8-2
NEWMARKET, England -- Over the last several months, the 3-year-old filly Azleet has been repeatedly schooled in the starting gate, an effort to eliminate occasional bad starts from 2025.
There is more work to do in that regard, but there can be no criticism of Azleet’s ability once a race is underway.
In Wednesday’s Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Newmarket Racecourse, Azleet overcame a tardy start, and traffic issues in the opening quarter-mile, to record a surprise win.
Paul Lally:
R1 5-3-4-1
R2 9-4-6-7
R3 7-12-1-5
R4 4-11-9-3
R5 2-1-7-4
R6 11-4-8-3
R7 3-6-5-4
R8 8-3-2-5
R9 9-12-1-4
Best Bet R4 N4 Harmony Galaxy
Longshot R5 N2 Le Zonda
Play Race9 QQp 1-9-12
Tom Wood:
R1: 1-3-5-4
R2: 9-1-7-6
R3: 7-1-4-10
R5: 9-3-4-1
R6: 9-11-4-8
By Declan Schuster
Hugh Bowman gave Romantic Warrior the tick of approval this morning (Tuesday, 14 April) as Danny Shum’s galloper continues his preparation for the HK$30 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) on FWD Champions Day (Sunday, 26 April) at Sha Tin.
Aiming to secure a record-extending fourth FWD QEII Cup after wins in 2022, 2023 and 2024, Romantic Warrior finished an untested second in a barrier trial over 1600m on Sha Tin’s turf under Bowman today in 1m 36.13s behind Numbers with Rubylot third.
AINTREE, England – Never mind topweight of 166 pounds.
I Am Maximus made history in the Saturday’s $1.34 million Grand National steeplechase at Aintree Racecourse, becoming the first two-time winner since Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019, and the first horse to win non-consecutive runnings since Red Rum won for the second and third time in his epic career in 1974 and 1977.
I Am Maximus carried more weight than any winner this century in the grueling race at 4 5/16 miles, and gave owner J.P. McManus a record fourth win in the race.
Sir Delius chased home two of Australia’s leading fillies and mares when he finished third in Group 1 races in February and March.
On Saturday at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Sir Delius was the runner impossible to catch in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at 1 1/4 miles.
Sir Delius, who paid $11.70 in American pools, finished about 2 1/4 lengths in front of 26-1 Lindermann. The previously unbeaten filly Autumn Glow could only finish third at 1-4, losing second in the final strides.
AINTREE, England – In his sixth attempt, the 9-year-old gelding Grey Dawning finally won at Aintree Racecourse in Friday’s Grade 1 Melling Chase at 2 1/2 miles.
The $335,500 Melling Chase was the leading steeplechase on Friday’s second day of the three-day Grand National meeting. The $1.34 million Grand National steeplechase will be run on Saturday.
