Without A Fight, the 2023 Melbourne Cup winner, is likely heading to the Hong Kong Vase on December 8 after a strong third-place finish in the Group 1 Champions Stakes at Flemington.
Trainer Anthony Freedman noted that the stayer felt the pinch late in the 2000m race but remains in great form.
“Mark said he felt great… he’ll run very well in Hong Kong, I would have thought,” Freedman shared.
Antino, trained by Tony Gollan, is being considered for the Hong Kong Mile, with a decision expected this week following his vaccinations.
The horse finished a close second in the Champions Mile, just half a length behind Mr Brightside. Gollan praised the effort, acknowledging that Zahra may have gone a touch early in the race.
“He got there and might’ve thought he’d done his job,” Gollan remarked.
Both horses now look poised for Hong Kong campaigns, ready to take on top international competition in December.