Whereas Thursday had brought plenty of action to interest AP QEII Cup work watchers, Friday proved to be a quiet morning with little going on. After their final serious exercise of the previous day, all four of the international raiders (Epiphaneia, Uncoiled, Vercingetorix and Sanshaawes) remained in the quarantine area for light work around the trotting ring.
Sanshaawes on Thursday
Sanshaawes – SAF
Trevor Brown, assistant trainer to Mike de Kock, said: “Sanshaawes has a different profile (to Vercingetorix) having been more exposed but he’s a decent horse who tries very hard in his race and he’s better suited on the turf than he was on the Tapeta in the Dubai World Cup.” Jockey Olivier Doleuze said he was pleased with Thursday’s work: “He gave me a good feel in my first gallop on him. He ran a good time and I made sure I gave him a good clean out.” Doleuze, who cannot recall having previously ridden for de Kock, is looking forward to Sunday: “There’s no pressure on me or the horse. Nobody’s watching us. He will enjoy the little cut in the track and the distance is no problem so he might surprise a few people. He’s very versatile but I don’t see myself going back from the gate. I will ride him de Kock style, go forward and rely on his fitness and strength. I’m not sure he could win if we go back and the race turns into a sit and sprint.”
Vercingetorix on Thursday
Vercingetorix – SAF
Trevor Brown, assistant trainer to Mike de Kock, said: “Both horses are fit and well. Vercingetorix is still on the up. He improved a lot in Dubai and I’d say he’s still improving. He’s the most progressive horse we’ve brought here in recent times.” Jockey Anthony Delpech provided the most refreshing answer to the week’s track work questions when asked whether Vercingetorix had given him a “good feel” in his Thursday morning workout: “No, not really, but that’s not a worry. He’s not a morning horse. He’s very lazy and inclined to want to look at everything that happens around him but he can switch on when he needs to. He travels well in a race and has got the necessary turn-of-foot. He’s fresh and happy and coming off a very good run in Dubai where he broke the track record in finishing second. I’m happy to be back on him and I’d be very happy to win this race again.”
(source: HKJC)
