Champions Mile
RAPPER DRAGON – HK
Cantered one lap of the main all-weather track.
Big-race jockey Joao Moreira said: “He’s never eye-catching in his barrier trials. The trial the other day was just OK but the horse himself feels fine, he feels well, he was striding out freely, so I have no concerns. I was happy with that trial. He’s the best horse in Hong Kong. I do respect the others, we will face some really good horses, like Beauty Only, who was second to him last time – if he was able to finish that close last time it means he can give us another fight. But I’m very confident about my horse – I think he’s very good and I think there’s even more to come from him.”
STORMY ANTARCTIC – GB
Completed an easy 1200m gallop on the Sha Tin all-weather track under assistant trainer Jack Steels in 1m 27.0s (31.1, 30.4, 25.5).
Travelling groom Deepak Gaikwad said: “He did a little more this morning and we’re happy with him. Ed (Walker) arrives tonight.”
CONVEY – GB
Took to the Sha Tin all-weather track for an easy 400m gallop under groom Kevin Bradshaw, clocking 33.2s.
Bradshaw said: “He’s pretty chilled and taking it all in his stride.”
Chairman’s Sprint Prize
PENIAPHOBIA – HK
Cantered one lap of the small all-weather track.
Big-race jockey Neil Callan said: “He looks good in the morning. He’s been running well, his form’s good and he’s running against the same horses again. I’ve ridden him in his last three and he’s run two monster races, winning a Group 2 and running a cracker last time behind Mr Stunning – the 1000m race was just a blow-out.”
STRATHMORE – HK
Took to the small all-weather track for two laps under track rider Beverly Millard.
Sunday’s rider Derek Leung said: “I gave him a good blow-out, a good gallop last weekend. It was only over 800m with a quick last 400m so it was not too hard, but it was enough to give him a test because he’s a bit lazy in the mornings. He’s fit and well. We are hoping now for a good barrier so we can put him somewhere handy, ahead of midfield, take him to the outside and hopefully he can finish strongly. It is very exciting for me to get a ride like this, he has a chance. Even his last run, he ran second carrying 131lb, which is quite tough. Now, he drops to 126lb, so it should be better for him.”
