On Cat Junior and Chinchon... doesn't look good.
http://www.thoroughbrednews.com.au/i....aspx?id=46309
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Trackwork notes...
HKJC
Four international horses work at Sha Tin Monday Morning
- Things starting to jell for South African raiders
Steven Jell, assistant trainer to South Africa's great internationalist, Mike de Kock, was more than content with the stable's two horses, Lizard's Desire (APQEII) and Imbongi (Champions Mile) after the pair had done gentle work at Sha Tin this morning. "It was very easy work," said a smiling Jell, "but they're definitely going in the right direction".
On whether Lizard's Desire will be capable of reproducing on turf this Sunday the dramatic improvement he showed last time out when beaten a 'half nostril' on Tapeta by Gloria de Campeao in the G1 Dubai World Cup, Jell was, however, reluctant to commit himself. "We took him to Dubai hoping he'd pick up a handicap, but he just improved out of all recognition. Sometimes a horse just clicks - the way Presvis did, for example - and makes the jump from handicapper to G1, and it could be that's what's happened with him. There's no doubt he loved the Tapeta, and there's no doubt he's improving all the time. We'll find out on Sunday whether he's as good on turf."
Asked whether he felt Imbongi, who finished sixth, beaten one and three quarter lengths in the 2009 Champions Mile, is a better horse this year than last, Jell was again cautiously hopeful. "He could be a little better as he may be coming into the race a little bit fitter," he replied. "The 1800m of the Dubai Duty Free may have stretched him a bit as his best trips are probably 1400m or a mile, but he still ran a very good race. Last year's Champions Mile was slow run and the track was rain affected, and neither of those factors would have suited him. So we're hopeful he can improve on last year. And one other thing in his favour is that he's travelled well. He's not always the best of travellers, but this year he's been fine."
- Jeff Lloyd confirmed for Dao Dao
Hong Kong based South African jockey Jeff Lloyd has been confirmed as the rider for Dao Dao in the Champions Mile which affords him the opportunity to win his first Group 1 race in his new home.
"It's fantastic news,' said Lloyd, "I made an approach a couple of weeks ago and I'm very pleased to pick up the ride. It's a real chance for me. Looking at his form in Australia, you'd say the horse has improved a bit from last year and a bit of rain would probably improve his prospects further."
Michael Hawkes, training Dao Dao under his own name in Hong Kong, said he was pleased to have Lloyd on board. "He rode for us in Australia so there's an existing relationship, he's now practically a local in Hong Kong so he knows the track and knows the opposition,' he said.
Dao Dao, third behind Sight Winner in last year's Champions Mile, continues to do well according to the trainer. "I'd say he travelled a little better this year and has settled in a little better. I really couldn't be happier with him. I just hope he draws a (good) gate and then hopefully the result, for us, will also be a little better,' Hawkes said.
- Japanese contender Never Bouchon starting to settle in
Japanese runner Never Bouchon (APQEII), who jetted into Hong Kong last Saturday, cantered a gentle opening lap and then worked faster on his second lap on the all-weather track this morning.
The traveling head-lad Takafumi Aoki, looking after the seven-year-old horse, commented, "My horse was shying a bit when he got into the stall for the airplane, but he was settled well during the flight, which was his first time experience.
"I think he needs more time to get used to the new surroundings, but the quarantine stable at Sha Tin is very comfortable, and he handles everything step by step at this moment. This is the first experience for me and the track rider to race abroad, and we are trying to relax in front of the horse and keep him happy."
- Presvis to arrive tomorrow
Defending APQEII Cup champion Presvis is now expected to arrive in Hong Kong on Tuesday morning while plans are yet to be confirmed for Chinchon (APQEII) and Cat Junior (Champions Mile).