Asia Latest

HK: Size eyes Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup success

John Size is optimistic Ensued (Lemon Drop Kid) and Bundle Award (Shamus Award) can deliver strong performances in the HK$13 million Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (Gr 1, 2400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday – Hong Kong’s final Group 1 of the season. Size hasn’t won the race since Super Kid (Gaius) triumphed in 2004, but believes Ensued is ready to make an impact. The consistent stayer ran fourth behind international stars Giavellotto (Mastercraftsman), Dubai Honour (Pride Of Dubai) and Stellenbosch (Epiphaneia) in the Hong Kong Vase (Gr 1, 2400m) and repeated the placing in last month’s QEII Cup (Gr 1, 2000m). “Ensued is going alright. He ran well in the Vase — the winner was too good, but he held his own,” Size said. “He’s continued to race well and looks in good order.” Zac Purton reunites with Ensued, while Bundle Award, who narrowly won the Queen Mother Memorial Cup (Gr 3, 2400m) on May 4, will be partnered by Andrea Atzeni. “He’s going up in class and doesn’t get the weight advantage now,” Size said of Bundle Award. “But he’s proven at the trip, and that will help — even if it’s a slowly run race.”