Friday (27/4) track notes ahead of Champions Day at Sha Tin

Audemars Piguet QEII Cup

DINOZZO (HK)

Exercised on the small inner dirt track.

Jockey Karis Teetan said: “Of course, these are high-class horses he is running against but he has done well, this horse. He’s had a few good wins this season. It’s not a big field so if he can get himself in a decent position, he can run well. His last run was decent so, while I’m not going to say he’s a live winning chance, he’s got a chance to run a good race in here. I don’t know how much pressure Time Warp will get from other horses, particularly the Japanese, but if he goes a decent pace, we will be happy to sit a few lengths off him. We will try not to use too much petrol.”

PING HAI STAR (HK)

Exercised on the small inner all-weather track.

Jockey Joao Moreira said: “Now we’re going back to the Derby distance against stronger horses, but even though it’s against stronger horses, the way he won the Derby he would be a chance. The horse himself is doing very well  in his preparation – he gave me such a great feel in his barrier trial last week. Time Warp is obviously the main danger and Zac (Purton) is a master of judging pace. If Ping Hai Star can relax in the first half of the race and produce the finish that he did in the Derby, I think he will  be flashing on the outside. If he turns for home close enough, I think he’s going to go past them.”

DANBURITE (JPN)

Exercised in the quarantine stables’ trotting ring and then schooled at the paddock and the starting gate.

with the stall handler staying beside him

AL AIN (JPN)

Trotted in the quarantine stables before behaving like a model pupil during schooling around the paddock, and behaved himself when schooling in the saddling area and at the starting gate. 

Trainer Yasutoshi Ikee said: “He was very relaxed this morning as he recognised he wouldn’t be doing too much today. I am happy with his schooling at the paddock, saddling area and starting gate.”

Champions Mile

BLIZZARD (HK)

Exercised on the small inner all-weather track.

Jockey Karis Teetan said: “It’s nice to get back on him again. They had asked me, but I was already engaged with Fifty Fifty, so it’s just circumstances that have led me to reunite with him and I’m lucky to get the ride. I’ve wanted the horse to go back to a mile for a while, and especially this time, coming off the run in Japan. I think he’s in that awkward spot where the 1200m is too sharp but the 1600m finds him out a little bit, although maybe now he’s older, he’ll be OK – I do think 1400m is his best trip. He did run well in the Classic Mile a couple of years back. He’s got a good draw so we’ll just keep him where he’s happy.”

Chairman’s Sprint Prize

THEWIZARDOFOZ (HK)

Exercised on the small inner all-weather track.

Jockey Karis Teetan said: “He’s a Group 1 horse, we all know it. He is only a Group 3 winner in name but he’s a Group 1 talent in ability. He just has a few issues that have prevented him getting a big name. We all know though that John Size wouldn’t run him if he didn’t think he had some chance so I go in there hopeful. I don’t think there is any sprinter in the world currently that could match John Size’s sprinters – he’s got them absolutely flying. I think John is going to win the race, it just depends in which order they finish.”

LUCKY BUBBLES (HK)

Worked 800m on the all-weather track under race rider Brett Prebble in 1m 01.6s (33.6, 28.0).

Trainer Francis Lui said: “After he was beaten in the Centenary Sprint Cup in January we sent him for a rest and now he looks bright and back to his old self. The field will be strong though – John Size has some good young horses and it’s not going to be easy. My horse still has his quality and now the mind is back.”

BEAT THE CLOCK (HK)

Cantered on the small inner all-weather track.

Jockey Joao Moreira said: “Last time they didn't go very hard and they ran home very strong sectionals, but if they don't go slow, he’ll still be running strong sectionals and making it interesting. Whoever wants to beat him is going to have to race very strongly because he will be hitting the line very strongly. I don't think there will be much between the field – first to fourth I guess will be a length and a half maximum.”

BLUE POINT (UAE)

Cantered on the dirt track

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “He’s switching leads and doing everything right. I’m delighted with him. He’s ready for Sunday’s race.”

FINE NEEDLE (JPN)

Cantered on the dirt track before taking a walk around the parade ring and schooling at the saddling area and starting stalls.
Trainer Yoshitada Takahashi said: “He has settled in well and has really acquainted himself with the surroundings. He has moved comfortably during his work and felt good this morning. Mentally, he has been switched on and sharpened up since the breeze he had the other day.  All has gone well so far.”