Calif - BHR
The German Group 1 winner appeared relaxed while undertaking an easy canter on the all-weather track. This is his second trip to Hong Kong after finishing a respectable sixth to Romantic Warrior in last year’s Hong Kong Cup.
Stable representative: “Calif is good. He was second in Saudi which was a good run and then he went to Dubai. Afterwards we decided to take our chance and come to Hong Kong. I’ve been pleased with him since he arrived in Hong Kong. He just did light work today.”
Goliath - FR
Last year’s G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2392m) winner caught the eye with his trademark stringhalt when undertaking a light canter on the all-weather track, clocking 33.5s over 400m. He looked to have adapted well to his surroundings.
Travelling head lad Anthony David: “He’s all good. He travelled very well. I’m very happy today because he’s a lovely horse and very relaxed. It was his first time on the track here but he was perfect today. He has his special move, but he’s a very good horse. Today he did a hack steady canter and we’ll probably do that for a day or two. I’ll speak to the trainer about possibly going on the turf.”
Liberty Island - JPN
Liberty Island had a light canter on the all-weather course, clocking 29.0s over 400m.
The assistant to trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida, Yuya Katayama, said: “Her condition has been improving compared to when she was in Dubai. While in Dubai, the quarantine stables were located in the middle of the desert, and the surroundings allowed her to graze freely, so it seems she thought she was simply out at pasture for rest. The high temperatures there also made a difference, and the climate here suits her better. She will work on the turf once more this week.”
Trackwork videos will be available by noon the day after (Videos of Apr 23 and 24 will be available on Apr 25).