Farraaj ‘Chilling’ In Hong Kong

Farraaj (Ire) (Dubai Destination) may ring a bell for American racegoers, as the 2013 G3 Winter Derby winner made the trip over to the U.S. for last year’s GI Pacific Classic, finishing 11th of 12 behind Game On Dude (Awesome Again) after taking some action at 7-1. 

Owned by Sheikh Ahmed al Maktoum, the 5-year-old has eased back into European turf racing this season, and successfully at that, with handicap victories at Epsom June 6 and in the valuable John Smith’s Cup H. at York July 12 before faltering in fourth as the favorite in the G3 Strensall S. back at the latter track Aug. 23. 

Sent to Australia, Farraaj last raced in the G1 Mackinnon S. at Flemington Nov. 1 and nearly overcame the 14 hole, finishing 3/4 of a length behind Happy Trails (Aus) (Good Journey) in third. 

Prepping for Sunday’s G1 Hong Kong Cup, Farraaj was given a solid workout Tuesday beneath Andrea Atzeni, going six furlongs in 1:24.6 with the final 400 meters in :23.5. 

“He’s where we want him to be right now,” confirmed Joan Banks, assistant to trainer Roger Varian. “He has been a lot more chilled here than he was in Australia. Over there our other horse seemed to wind him up a bit, but here, he’s settled in with Red Cadeaux (GB) (Cadeaux Genereux {GB}) in his barn and is much more relaxed.”

Atzeni, visiting Hong Kong on a short-term contract from the HKJC, confirmed, “He’s in good form, very calm, and did what I asked of him very nicely today.” 

In one additional Cup workout on the morning, G1 Australian Derby hero Criterion (NZ) (Sebring {Aus}) finished his preparations by closing off a 1200-meter gallop with a :23.5 final sectional. 

“I was happy with that,” said trainer David Hayes. “He worked home nicely over the last 400 metres and recovered very quickly from the gallop. He’s fit enough. That’ll be his final piece of work for the week.”