Saturday’s (7 February) HKG3 Centenary Vase Handicap is a fascinating affair with Hong Kong superstar Designs On Rome (131lb) set a weighty task against a clutch of talented rivals, all of whom are relishing the chance to capitalise on the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) hero’s lofty position at the top of the handicap.
Among those lurking at the foot of the weights is Khaya. John Size’s charge ran the race of his life two starts ago behind Flintshire and the re-opposing Willie Cazals when third in December’s G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase over 2400m. Stepping back to 1800m, a distance he has scored at twice previously, the Librettist five-year-old will have only 113lb on his back when the gates burst open.
“He has a light weight and that could be a big advantage,” said jockey Karis Teetan, who has partnered the gelding three times so far and is seeking a first win in tandem.
“Mr Size is happy with him, his barrier trial was good and the draw (5) is not bad. I can’t see many horses that will go forward and race up there and Khaya will be a naturally handier horse than the rest of them. I think he has a decent chance.
“There are some big names in the field, some good horses, but the big weight concession gives me confidence, especially as his last two runs have been very promising.”
Khaya was most recently seen finishing a head second to Pleasure Gains in the HKG3 January Cup over the distance at Happy Valley last month.
The John Moore-trained Designs On Rome, last season’s HKG1 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and G1 Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) winner, scored at this trip when overhauling Able Friend in the 2014 HKG1 Hong Kong Classic Cup.
Willie Cazals is one of three Tony Cruz-trained contenders. Matthew Chadwick will get the leg up on the Hong Kong Vase runner-up who gets in on a handy 113lb. Chadwick has long been associated with the brilliant grey California Memory, twice winner of the G1 Hong Kong Cup but seemingly a light of former days so far this term. Gerald Mosse will be in the plate on Saturday with the nine-year-old allotted 121lb. Helene Super Star, fifth in December’s Hong Kong Cup and second last start in an 1800m Class 2 at Happy Valley, is another with only 113lb on his back.
The field also features the Moore-trained Dominant (121lb), winner of the 2013 G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase, while Endowing (121lb) from the Size yard scored his biggest success in the 2013 G2 LONGINES Jockey Club Cup (2000m).
Packing Llaregyb (113lb), from the Andreas Schutz stable, won the HKG3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (Handicap) at the course and distance in November by a short-head from the fast closing Willie Cazals, but is now 9lb worse off at the weights with that rival.
The David Hall-trained Bubble Chic (113lb), winner of the HKG3 Premier Plate (1800m) and HKG3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup (2400m) last term, is also set to take his place in the line-up, as is the Danny Shum-trained Mr Gnocchi (113lb).
Military Attack was withdrawn on Friday afternoon due to inappetence.
Saturday’s feature is race eight (4.35pm) on the 10-race card. Racing commences at 1pm with the Kreta Ayer Handicap over 1200m of the all-weather track.
