The much-travelled Gordon Lord Byron is in great shape ahead of his fourth trip to the Hong Kong International meeting.
In three previous visits to Sha Tin the six-year-old, who won the George Ryder Stakes in Sydney earlier this year, finished fourth in the Hong Kong Mile in 2012 and 2013 and was seventh in this year’s Champions Mile in May.
This time around he runs in the Sprint in which Australia will be represented by four-time Group One winner Buffering.
Trainer Tom Hogan said he could not be happier with his stable star who arrives in Hong Kong on Saturday, eight days before the race.
“He’s been in great form since his last run at Ascot, and we’ve taken him to Dundalk, where he loves the surface,” Hogan said.
“His work there last Friday evening was first class – absolutely tip-top.
“Gordon Lord Byron is not short of speed. He’s been to Haydock, a fast six-furlong (1200m) track, for the Sprint Cup these past three years, and run well (second in 2012, first in 2013 and second again in 2014).
“Last year the Hong Kong Sprint was won by Lord Kanaloa by five lengths. That’s like winning a two mile race by a distance and I don’t see a Lord Kanaloa in the field this year.
Sole Power was second last year, and we’ve beaten him before over six furlongs.
“All we can hope for is a reasonable draw, and some cover and luck in running. We go there with confidence, and it’s certainly worth a shot.”
