Zindabad in good shape

Mark Johnston is hoping for a 'middle to high berth' for Zindabad when the draw is made tomorrow for the Hong Kong International races which take place at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The Middleham trainer was on hand to supervise today`s track work for the Hong Kong Vase contender, who looked in good form under big race jockey Kevin Darley.

Although Zindabad, who finished third behind Mutamam before being disqualified in the Canadian International at Woodbine on his last outing, lost 10 kilograms on the journey over, Johnston was far from worried.

'He lost the same amount on the trip to Canada,' admitted Johnston. 'He has put on four kilograms since arriving and although he is as light as I would want him to be, he looks in good shape.'

Johnston took the Canadian disqualification on the chin and declared himself pleased with the performance of the five-year-old.

He said: 'I was delighted with him in Canada. He was interfered with on the first bend and lost his position but then he leant on an unplaced horse in the last 400 metres. Whatever, it was a good run from a far from ideal draw.

'Sha Tin is much sharper than Woodbine therefore we are hoping for a middle to high berth, say five to nine, so he can get a bit of room early.

'He may not be quick enough to get into his stride for a sharp track like this but he has definitely got the ability to win this type of race. The ground will suit him and to be honest he has not had his ground all year in England and that explains why his form looks a bit up and down.'

The going at Sha Tin is currently described as good to firm.