9/12/2023

LONGINES HKIR Track Notes –

Saturday, 9 December 2023

LONGINES Hong Kong Cup

Luxembourg – IRE

Strong on-pace work over 1200m in 1.15.2 on the all-weather track in company with stablemates Cairo and Aesop’s Fables (all three last 400m in 24.0); and Warm Heart last 400m in 23.9.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “They went a little quicker this morning and all coped well with it. Luxembourg’s well and (assistant) Patrick (Keating) has been pleased with him all week.

He’s drawn out but he’s a big, cruising horse and he’ll roll forward.”

Rousham Park - JPN

Exercised in the trotting ring. Trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka said: “He was a little bit keen after he breezed, so my focus was to settle him and to keep his balance when he worked.

I think everything has gone well so far. I am grateful for him to give me a chance to come to this great stage and he is still an improving four-year-old. My hopes are high for him.”

LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint

Aesop’s Fables – IRE

Worked 1200m on the all-weather track in 1.15.3, last 400m in 24.0.

Mad Cool - JPN

Exercised in the trotting ring.

Trainer Manabu Ikezoe said: “We took enough time to bring on his flexibility during the light work this morning.

All the vet's tests have been passed and we are all set for the race. He is very relaxed and has enjoyed his time here. I feel relieved that everything has gone well so far.”

LONGINES Hong Kong Vase

Lebensstil - JPN

Light exercise in quarantine stable.

Trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka said: “We worked him on the turf yesterday. It wasn't the original Plan A, but Plan B worked well.

He is in good form, and I anticipate a good result.”

Warm Heart – IRE

Worked over 1200m on the all-weather track in 1.15.2, last 400m in 23.9.

LONGINES Hong Kong Mile Namur - JPN

One and a half lap canter on the all-weather track.

Trainer Tomokazu Takano said: “She looks brilliant and maintains her condition from her last outing, the Mile Championship, which she won.

This is a challenge for her, but she has a chance.”

Lim’s Kosciuszko – SIN

Cantered on the all-weather track.

Trainer Dan Meagher said: “It’s a mental challenge for any horse when their routine is changed but he’s coping well and getting better and better every day.

He’s drawn in but we’ll look to take a sit rather than lead.”

Cairo – IRE

Worked over 1200m on the all-weather track in 1.15.2, last 400m in 24.0.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “Happy with him. He’ll wear blinkers on Sunday as he’s a little bit lazy and they’ll hopefully sharpen him up.”