Hong Kong International Races - comments from Japanese runners' connections

Trailblazer

Apapane, Pas de Trois, Curren Chan

Yasutoshi Ikee, trainer

"According to (Katsumi Ando), the horse was shying a bit because the surface here is a little different to the track in Japan. I think he worked well on the grass track (Thursday) and he is ready to race. He was already in good condition as he was ready in Japan. I did save a bit in our final preparations for the Japan Cup, because this race was my main objective all along. I held back a bit in his final work before the Japan Cup because I was thinking of the long haul over here and this race. This is the exact same way we prepared Stay Gold when he came here. I was assistant trainer then. Because the turf is different here from Japan, it is very important to get him used to it. That's what we did (Thursday morning). I was afraid he might shy a bit at the grass. He didn't do that but he was a bit hesitant at first. I thought he looked a bit worried, but when (Ando) pushed him a bit he took well to it. This is very important point, to get the horse used to the turf and he did well. He is in great shape and has improved recently. I think he'll have a good chance. I hope we can uphold the 'jinx' that horses that don't do well in the Japan Cup, come here and do well."

(regarding the draw of No. 8)

"We'd wanted something a little to the outside so I think this is the best. I think the pace of the race will be slow and, in that case, we could get into a pocket if we were on the inside and not be able to get a good position.

Yasuo Ikee, former trainer, father of Yasutoshi

"We wanted to draw a bit to the outside, so I think (No. 8) is perfect. (Yasutoshi) came here with Stay Gold back when we won in 2001 and he learned a lot back then."

Shogo Yasuda, assistant trainer

"She worked very well (Wednesday), and it was an ideal breeze, as I had thought it would be. She has been getting fitter so I had no worries before that bit of work. Of course, we're working with a G1 class filly so it's to be expected, but she really did look good in the wrap-up of her work that morning."

Akiko Suzuki, wife of owner

(regarding the draw of No. 11)

"We had wanted to draw inside of No. 5, and my husband had wanted the No. 5 slot, but everything was gone. Seven was still left, but I wouldn't want her to get sandwiched in, so I think the No. 11 is fine. When I picked the name for the next horse to be drawn, it was Rocket Man, which I thought was a good omen. He then drew wider than us, which I think is also good. This is her first race abroad and I just want her to do her best and return to Japan safely. That's my only real wish. The long trip over her doesn't seem to have caused her any problem. She's OK. "

Ryuji Iwamoto, groom

"We breezed (Wednesday) and she seems to be mentally ready for the race. She's very fit now."

Ippo Sameshima, trainer

"I was a bit hesitant about bringing him to Hong Kong after the Sprinters Stakes running, but I knew I would go if we were invited, which we were. We worked him hard on Wednesday and he was a little bit stiff (Thursday) morning but after being walked in the paddock, he loosened up, and the hard work we gave him Wednesday seems to have gotten him in good shape. His movement is looking good. I don't have any particular worries but I do wish we could have a hill course to train on here. "

(regarding the draw of No. 1)

"I had wanted somewhere from No. 3 to No. 6, but inside is good for us so I guess it's OK. I'm satisfied with the draw."

Katsumi Ando, jockey

"Since he arrived in Hong Kong, everything has gone well. He is maintaining the same good condition and (Wednesday's) breezing with the other two horses, (Curren Chan and Apapane, should help improve his condition."

Miyoko Kanayama, exercise rider / groom

"Pas de Trois galloped very well (Thursday). I think it was a good preparation for him mentally."

Sakae Kunieda, trainer

(regarding training)

"I heard that she had gained weight, but when I saw her on Wednesday after I arrived here in Hong Kong she looks to me like there's no need to worry. We plan to work her on turf on Friday. The long journey doesn't seem to have had any ill effect on her. She is eating and drinking well. She's usually quite a calm, quiet horse and she has been calm since we arrived. She had a little difficulty on the tight turns the other day in morning work but all in all everything up to now has gone very well. She seems to like Hong Kong. There are a lot of good horses, but I think she can give us as good a showing as she has given us in Japan. As far as the gate goes, I've let them know that she may have some problems loading. They won't goad her in with the whip as they do in Japan. She does not like that and I think it has a negative effect. I haven't requested that they load her early but maybe they will."

(regarding the draw of No. 9)

"I would have liked to have drawn the No. 7 gate, but No. 9 is close enough. I think it's OK."

Hideo Shiimoto, assistant trainer

"She seems to be fit. She always adjusts to new surroundings very quickly, and has a great appetite. She stayed in the stable area on Thursday and just worked lightly."

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Hong Kong Jockey Club
Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races