Focus Asia
Naboo Attack takes aim for his forgotten sire
To call a horse Simply The Best (Warhead) is to play games with fate. The late Fahd Salman learnt that truth in the 1990s with a colt he named The King (Lomond), being a half-brother to his excellent European champion Generous (Caerleon): The King never made the races, let alone challenged for any crown. Simply... Read More
More from Focus Asia
Golden Sixty needs a sterner test to enhance his international profile
Golden Sixty’s (Medaglia D’Oro) latest demolition of the best milers Hong Kong can scrape together has left the gelding’s trainer Francis Lui hoping that a serious challenger will enter the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s ‘racing bubble’ to take on his stable’s champion when he bids for a second Hong Kong Mile (Gr 1, 1600m) victory... Read More
Hong Kong’s contenders are on trial as Japan’s HKIR team takes shape
Zac Purton has bagged more wins at the Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) than any other rider but the Australian ace heads into Sunday’s ‘trials’ fixture for next month’s Sha Tin showpiece with a mixed hand that has him wondering whether to stick or twist, assuming the latter option is even viable. This weekend’s three... Read More
Japan’s mares hold the spotlight while in Hong Kong Hayes awaits decision
When Loves Only You (Deep Impact) made history on Saturday as the first Breeders’ Cup winner trained out of Japan it was no big surprise, not for those with an interest in Asian racing, at least. Her Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (Gr 1, 11f) win was backed up by solid Group 1 form,... Read More
A broader awakening feeds Jerry Chau’s emergence
Jerry Chau’s virtuoso win aboard God Of Dragon (Red Dazzler) at Happy Valley on Sunday was ‘only’ a Class 3 handicap, yet it emphasised the exciting development of the young rider whose emergence is not only down to astute coaching of latent ability but also part of a deepening confidence around Hong Kong’s cohort of... Read More
No fear from Lemaire as Gran Alegria prepares to face Contrail and Efforia
Gran Alegria (Deep Impact) is primed for a return to action in this weekend’s Autumn Tenno Sho (Gr 1, 2000m) at Tokyo and the brilliant mare’s rider Christophe Lemaire is firm in his conviction that she has all the attributes needed to fend off last year’s Triple Crown hero Contrail (Deep Impact) and the current... Read More