Hong Kong off to an excellent start.
Superhorse Ka Ying Rising did everything perfectly to secure his 13th successive win and second HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup. A relieved David Hayes confirmed he will now be in quarantine for two weeks in Hong Kong and then fly to Sydney for the second two week quarantine period before tackling the Everest, which is all very exciting. Lucky Sweynesse, who had a lengthy period off, showed he was getting close to top form and he will go to Japan to contest the Sprinters' Stakes. Divano who went off at 115.0 showed much promise in his run for third.
In the Tai Mo Shen Class 2 Markwin showed the holidays hadn't got the better of him by winning the race from Chiu Chow Spirit and the winner's stablemate Pray For Mir third.
Korea Sprint and Korea Cup in Seoul
These two international races had each attracted three Japanese raiders and one from Hong Kong.
In the Sprint there was further cause for jubilation in Hong Kong as this race came soon after Ka Ying Rising's race and was won by the Hong Kong representative Self Improvement. Japanese runner Chikappa started favourite and ran second with the local Vincero Caballo third.
The Cup went to Japanese dirt track specialist Diktaean, a 7yo gelding, who handled the track as if he had been running on it every day and he outran Hong Kong's Changcheng Glory who finished ahead of the well-credentialed Ramjet, so the Japanese runners continue their hold on the Cup.
Shuka Sho Trial at Nakayama
The Shion Stakes G2 is generally the main trial for the Shuka Sho.
This year's version was won by the Duramente filly Kelly Fled Ask (a prize for anyone who can work out how they came up with the name) who started on 24.9. She headed the popular filly Jocelyn with Christophe Lemaire on board and following her was Danon Fair Lady.
At Hanshin the Sankei Sho Centaur Stakes G2 over 1200m went to Kangchengjungai on 18.4 with Kawada on board. Poor Mama Cocha she seems to just miss out on the win again but maybe next time, and Toshin Macau was third with T M Spada fourth.
