For Sosie, one of Europe’s top 3-year-olds of 2024, racing on soft turf is fine. Racing on heavy or very soft turf does not work.
Sosie was fourth by 4 1/4 lengths as the 7-2 favorite in the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on very soft turf at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris last October. Trainer Andre Fabre later cited the condition of the course as a contributing factor in the loss.
The leading sprinter is such a standout that his trainer says 1-5 is worth a bet.
The top mile race is a showdown between a red-hot Australian and a local star, while the richest race on the program, at 1 1/4 miles, could be won by several runners who last started in four countries.
The three Group 1 races at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong on Sunday offer an array of talent, though none have been as dominant as Ka Ying Rising, who is widely expected to win his 12th consecutive start in the $2.83 million Chairman’s Sprint Prize at six furlongs.
This doesn’t appear in travel guides, but take it from a slightly warped expert, it works, and is worthwhile.
When arriving in a new country, the best approach for a racing-mad person is to avoid hesitation. Go straight to a racetrack. Big or small.
Of course, check into a hotel, but only to ditch luggage. No excuses after that. Grab the binoculars and go. There’s action to watch.
By Declan Schuster
Jumbo Treasure burst onto the scene with a smashing first victory last month and trainer Cody Mo’s young talent is aiming to recreate those heroics at Happy Valley in Wednesday night’s (23 April) Class 4 Lusitano Challenge Cup Handicap (1200m).
Overcoming barrier 13 last start, Jumbo Treasure exploded to the front under Derek Leung before scoring by a comfortable two lengths at Sha Tin on 30 March. The Written Tycoon gelding steps from gate six tomorrow night and will again sport cheek pieces.
By Leo Schlink
A start for Beauty Waves in the HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 27 April will hinge on the gelding’s performance in the HK$2.84 million Class 2 Kowloon Bay Handicap (1200m, dirt) at Sha Tin this Sunday (20 April).
The FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin Racecourse on 27 April will bring together on one race day the FWD QEII Cup, the FWD Champions Mile and the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, three world class Group 1 races worth a combined HK$74 million. To ensure customers are well informed for this international event, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has produced a Form Guide for free distribution.
