HKIR News : Tracknotes (3) - Hong Kong Vase (Gr.1-2400m) HK$14 million (13/12/2001)

13 December 2001

WHITE HEART (USA)

When White Heart cantered around the Sha Tin all-weather course this morning, the jockey who will ride him in Sunday's Hong Kong Vase, Gary Stevens, wasn't on board. "I had planned to be on him, but the flight I took from California to get here lasted 15 hours," Stevens said. "I rode in the International Jockeys' Championship at Happy Valley last night, and this morning I feel pretty wasted. So, an exercise rider was on White Heart instead of me. It's no big deal. The horse is fit and ready. I think everyone can see that."

STAY GOLD (JPN)

Stay Gold was cantered on the grass this morning after which he was given a bit of schooling in the paddock before returning to his stable. His owner, Haruya Yoshida said: "This race will be his last career start before going to stud. Stay Gold has never won a Group 1 race and this is his last but biggest chance of doing so. The track here at Sha Tin is very similar to the track in Dubai where he beat Fantastic Light."

EKRAAR (UAE)

Ekraar did a strong canter in being his two stablemates and he will now just tick over.

FOUNDATION SPIRIT (FR)

Foundation Spirit was accompanied by Jim And Tonic through a couple of jogging and half-speed circuits of the all-weather track. "He has settled in well and although he is only three and he's quite lightly raced, I have plenty confidence that he can finish in the placings," said Francois Doumen. "Most people know that he was a fast-finishing sixth in the French Derby and coming so early in his career that was a good run. He wants a good fast pace on fast ground and I believe that's what he's going to get here. I think the Sha Tin track will suit him as well."

Survey General (HK)

John Moore: "He's never been the soundest of horses but he's as well as he can be expected and we are looking forward to taking on the best. We know that he was talented enough to run sixth in the Hong Kong Cup two years ago. Something similar to that again would do nicely."