Hong Kong form analyst Xavier Blair shares his views on each horse in tomorrows 2010 Hong Kong International Mile.
1. Paco Boy
Outstanding miler who has just failed to get past grand mare Goldikova on several occasions.
That mare isn’t here in this race and he has to be rated a huge chance after some very
consistent form including a 4th in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile behind Goldikova at his latest
start. Drawn poorly however.
Odds: 4.00
2. Able One
8th in this race last year but fancy he is going better this time as he hasn’t missed a top two
finish at his past 6 starts, winning 4 of them including the G1 Champions Mile where he
defeated Fellowship. Won the G2 CX Jockey Club Mile last start defeating rival Thumbs Up
after he led and proved too strong. Drawn to lead and prove hard to beat again.
Odds: 4.50
3. Fellowship
Consistent miler who was in career best form last season but hasn’t set the world on fire this
time in. Poor effort last start behind Able One and needs to lift to be a threat.
Odds: 17.00
4. Beauty Flash
Winner of the G1 Mercedes Benz HK Classic Mile in January where he defeated rival Chater
Way after leading throughout and proving too strong. Handy form of late including a 4th to
Able One in the G2 CX Jockey Club Mile and from the wide draw he has no option than to
press forward and give them something to run down.
Odds: 17.00
5. Dream Eater
UK runner who surprisingly has never won over the mile but has run two close up 2nds in
the G2 Topkapi Trophy in Turkey. Was 3.5 lengths off Goldikova and Paco Boy in the G1
Queen Anne at Royal Ascot and needs to find a few lengths to be a winning hope here.
Odds: 17.00
6. A Shin Forward
Japanese raider coming off a last start victory in the G1 Mile Championship in Japan at big
odds. Has a solid record at the trip but this is another step up in class and prepared to risk.
Odds: 10.00
7. Good Ba Ba
Amazing miler who has won the past three renewals of this event and aiming to win his
4th as an 8yo. Has struggled to find his best at his two runs this season, but you can never
underestimate him.
Odds: 14.00
8. Sight Winner
Coming off a midfield performance in the G2 CX Jockey Club Mile behind Able One and hard
to see him improving as a 7yo to take this out. Place at very best.
Odds: 4.00
9. Thumbs Up
Slashing run last start in the G2 CX Jockey Club Mile where he wound up off a slow pace and
pushed Able One to within ¾ of a length. Great record at the trip and if he can reproduce his
latest effort he looks awfully hard to go past.
Odds: 7.00
10. Chater Way
Impressive effort last time out behind Able One and looks one of the best roughies of the
day. Solid miler who is drawn to be a threat and wouldn’t be a complete shock to see him
win.
Odds: 26.00
11. Beethoven
Disappointing effort in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile where he raced forward and faded badly
in the straight. Won the G1 Dewhurst Stakes as a 2yo at Newmarket in 2009 defeating
Fencing Master who hasn’t set the world on fire since. Has been set a task here.
Odds: 21.00
12. Royal Bench
French 3yo who has failed in three G1appearances to date and can’t see him approving on
that record in a race of this class.
Odds: 11.00
13. Rajsaman
Fairly performed French colt who was beaten a long way at his only G1 attempt. Won a G3
at St. Cloud last start but this is a different ball game all together.
Odds: 31.00
14. Sahpresa
Dual G1 winner of the G1 Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket 09/10 and then ran on from well
back to finish 4th behind A Shin Forward in the G1 Mile Championship in Japan. One at odds.
Odds: 8.00
Written by Xavier Blair