Able Friend Looms Large in Stewards’ Cup

Although the race has attracted its three most recent winners, Able Friend (Aus) (Shamardal) will start a heavy favorite as he looks to solidify his status as one of the world’s elite milers in today’s Stewards’ Cup at Sha Tin, granted international Group 1 status for the first time in its history. 

Following his defeat of Designs on Rome (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) in the Hong Kong Classic Mile a little over a year ago, the 1300-pound chestnut cut back in trip after defeats in the remaining two legs of the 4-Year-Old Series, but was soundly defeated by the visiting Variety Club (SAf) (Var) in the G1 Champions Mile last May. Since finishing a useful fourth to behind recent G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint hero Aerovelocity (NZ) (Pins {Aus}) when giving weight all around in the Premier Bowl H. Oct. 26, he easily handled Gold-Fun (Ire) (Le Vie dei Colori {GB}) in the G2 Jockey Club Mile and overcame a high draw to best that foe last time out by 4 1/4 lengths in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile Dec. 14. 

“There’s not a lot to say, he’s top class,” his jockey Joao Moreira commented. “He’s a different horse, different to all the others. He behaves differently, he walks differently, he looks at you differently; everything he does is different. He’s very professional. I don’t need to say much about his ability because he’s shown us already.” 

Gold-Fun started his season with a victory in the Celebration Cup H. over 1400 meters Oct. 5 and was second to Military Attack (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}) in the Sha Tin Trophy H. going this distance before chasing home Able Friend in his last two tries. 

“He’s had his usual prep and I’m delighted with how he is, he’s in really good nick again,” trainer Richard Gibson commented. “He’s such a good athlete that it’s a pleasure working with him. He’s in tremendous shape, and, as usual, he will take a lot of beating. He’s very able and it’s only the very best that can beat him.” 

Ambitious Dragon (NZ) (Pins {Aus}), victorious here in 2012, returned from an 18-month injury-enforced absence to be a good third to Able Friend in the Jockey Club Mile, but was forced to miss the Hong Kong Mile with a foot ailment. The 8-year-old will reunite with Maxime Guyon, who rode him to four wins from four starts in 2011, including that year’s Hong Kong Derby. 

Glorious Days (Aus) (Hussonet) landed this event and the Hong Kong Mile later that year and races here second-up after finishing five lengths in back of Able Friend in the Hong Kong Mile. Blazing Speed (GB) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}) is the defending Stewards’ Cup champion, but will look to bounce back off a disappointing 12th to Designs on Rome in the 
G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup Dec. 14.