Joao Moreira has an enviable book of rides in the four Group 1 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races and the Brazilian is itching for Sunday to come, such is his conviction in each of his quartet’s chances of success.
“I’m very confident about them all,” said Moreira this morning, shortly after partnering Able Friend and Sterling City in their final turf gallops. “I’ll be doing the last gallops on Dominant and Designs On Rome tomorrow, but overall I’m very happy with my horses.”
Moreira, currently 12 clear in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship, missed last year’s showcase occasion due to suspension and is aiming to make up for that lost opportunity.
His G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile candidate Able Friend, so impressive when winning the G2 BOCHK Wealth Management Jockey Club Mile at the course and distance last start, is considered by many judges to be the rider’s best of four good chances. Moreira was delighted with the big gelding’s work this morning, in which he jumped from the 1800m start and breezed 800m down the back stretch in 51.7s (25.6, 26.1).
“He felt good – he just galloped on the back straight and he worked very well. I’m really happy with him. I really wish the race was today or tomorrow! I just want to get on him and race,” he said.
Not long after, Moreira got the leg up on his G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint partner Sterling City. The G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen victor mirrored his stable mate and then took the scenic route back to the yard. The gelding appeared fresh and lively after clocking 49.7s (25.7, 24.0).
“He also went 800m down the back straight and then we went around and walked back on the track in front of the stands,” said Moreira. “He pulled up very well and I think he can run a very good race again. He’s full of himself and we know he likes to run fresh.”
With Moreira’s G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase hope Dominant, last year’s winner, so impressive in a turf gallop on Tuesday and his LONGINES Hong Kong Cup ride Designs On Rome – Hong Kong’s Horse of the Year, no less – doing nothing wrong in a turf spin that same morning, the Brazilian’s confidence might yet prove to be well-founded come Sunday.
