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HK: Fabre returns in search of more success

With a total of 18 runners spread across the past 24 editions of the Hong Kong International Races, Andre Fabre has been one of Europe’s most consistent supporters of the meeting. His two winners have both come in the Hong Kong Vase (Gr 1, 2400m) and he sends a strong contender this year in Grosser Preis von Bayern (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Junko (Intello). Fabre also saddles Hong Kong Mile (Gr 1, 1600m) contender Tribalist (Farhh), who tuned up for his meeting with Golden Sixty (Medaglia D’Oro) and California Spangle (Starspangledbanner) with a cosy Listed success at Saint-Cloud recently. “They had very good ‘prep’ races and in many ways a good racing calendar,” said Fabre. “They are both racing fit and I’m very happy with them.” Regarding the chance of Junko, the trainer said: “The good thing is that he is now proven over a mile and a half. Before he was running over a shorter distance but he’s proved that he stays well. That will help him, as will a good pace.” Tribalist has proved hard to stop under front-running tactics at left-handed Saint-Cloud, but has winning form on good–to–soft ground and going right-handed at Chantilly. “My only concern is it’s 100 yards too far,” said Fabre of the Godolphin-raced colt. “He’s more of a seven-furlong [1400m] horse than a miler [1600m] when there is a strong pace. But he is a horse with a big heart and if you look closely at his form, he is close to the best milers in Europe.”

SGP: Fitzsimmons eyeing Colonial Chief Stakes

Tim Fitzsimmons is set to saddle both Relentless (Hallowed Crown) and Raising Sixty-One (Belardo) in the final running of the Colonial Chief Stakes (Listed, 1700m) at Kranji on Saturday. “I think he [Relentless] will love the Polytrack this Saturday,” said Fitzsimmons. “I thought he never got into the race in the Gold Cup and he still finished off well. He just got too far back.” Regarding the chances of Raising Sixty-One, Fitzsimmons said: “I thought his fourth in the Gold Cup was phenomenal. He was caught four and five wide, and with no luck in the running, he still finished under two lengths from the winner. That was huge.”