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Lucky Nine and Military Attack in great shape for LONGINES HKIR

13/12/2014

Caspar Fownes has Lucky Nine and Military Attack in fine order heading into the HK$83 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races on Sunday, and the trainer is expecting big runs from his two stable standouts.

Lucky Nine hit traffic problems last start when fifth in the G2 Jockey Club Sprint over 1200m at Sha Tin and Fownes is hoping for a clear run as Lucky Nine bids for a second win in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m). The seven-year-old won the race in 2011.

“Lucky Nine is very well. I’m really happy with him,” said Fownes. “Obviously, on paper it’s a very competitive race. There’s not much between the sprinters but there never is here in Hong Kong. You always hope you’ll get out in clear running and he’ll get his chance. I’m sure he’ll be close because he’s very well. He doesn’t look like a horse that’s turning eight!

“The overseas runners being here will probably inject a bit of pace into it,” he continued. “A couple of the horses drawn out wide will likely go forward and inject that speed into the race, and it will just be nice to see everyone get their chance and see who the best horse is on the day.

“That’s what we want to see – who the best sprinter is. Hopefully we can get ‘Lucky’ to number one in the world before we think about retiring him. He’s still got a bit of life in the old legs yet!”

Military Attack, Hong Kong’s Horse of the Year in 2012/2013, is aiming to regain his place at the head of the table with victory in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m). He goes into the race off a two-race prep. He followed a first-up win in the HKG2 Sha Tin Trophy (1600m) on 26 October with a head second to the re-opposing Blazing Speed in the G2 LONGINES Jockey Club Cup (2000m) three weeks ago.

“Military Attack is drawn awkwardly (gate 8) but it’s another race that looks to be very open,” said Fownes. “He’s going to get his chance and he’s going to run well. Let’s hope he’s good enough on the day. I’m happy with how he’s come on from his last start – I’ve set him for this race so he should be spot on.”

 

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