Falbrav and Sarafan may contest HKIR, Indigenous runs with merit in Japan Cup

24 November 2002

World Series Racing Championship - 13th Leg
Japan Cup (G1) - 2200 M Turf
Sunday 24 November 2002

Hong Kong racing fans had every reason to be pleased with the outcome of the Gr.1 Japan Cup at Nakayama today with the winner Falbrav and runner-up Sarafan seemingly on course for a rematch in the Gr.1 Hong Kong Cup next month.

And there was the usual Japan Cup sight of the Sha Tin-based veteran Indigenous earning connections another payday with a very creditable sixth placed effort, beaten just two and a half lengths.

"I have spoken to the owner and trainer of Falbrav and to the owner and trainer of Sarafan and they indicated that, at this stage, both horses will come to Hong Kong for a rematch, which would be of tremendous interest," said Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Executive Director of Racing.

Engelbrecht-Bresges added that the connections of the other HK International Races contenders that contested the Japan Cup would wait and see how their horses come out of Sunday's race before fixing on final decision regarding Hong Kong.

No such doubts concern Indigenous, who set himself for a remarkable sixth straight Hong Kong Vase participation with a solid run in today's 2200m test at Nakayama.

On ground officially rated "Firm," Ivan Allan's gelding travelled about five lengths off the pace on the fence down the back straight in a rather slowly run race that was clocked at 2 min 12.2 sec. He improved to be only about two lengths down in third position off the home turn, and though outpaced by the principals, he stayed on well.

Jockey Eric Saint-Martin later remarked: "It was a comfortable race but he hung out [in the home stretch] then I tried to make him straight and use the whip but as he is a 9yo he couldn't have done more to go forward."
Owner Louis Pang was satisfied with the outcome saying: "I'm very happy with Indigenous' run. He has won us more money over a trip that was a bit short of his best and on ground that was too quick for him." Indigenous earned connections HK$1.23 million in his third appearance in the race. Last year he ran seventh, beaten five lengths, and in 1999 he was a length and half runner-up to Special Week.

Engelbrecht-Bresges concurred: "Once again Indigenous has Hong Kong proud by beating much younger proven Gr.1 performers. The ground was firm and I think he was feeling it in the straight, but I hope the old man can reproduce this form in the Hong Kong Vase next month."

The Italian-trained, Frankie Dettori-ridden, Falbrav won by a nose but connections had to survive an objection from Sarafan's rider Corey Nakatani to the winner, for leaning on him in the closing stages. The objection was overruled. Race favourite Symboli Kris S finished third.