Designs On Rome Out Wide for APQEII Cup

Reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year Designs On Rome (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) will not only have some history to overcome when he goes in defense of his title in the G1 Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin Sunday, but he’ll also have a wide barrier to overcome after drawing out in stall 11 in the field of 12. The bay will be attempting to become the first Hong Kong horse to win the spring feature off an unsuccessful trip to Dubai for the G1 Sheema Classic Mar. 28, a race in which he was fourth after bravely trying to overcome a pace that was far too slow. For his part, trainer John Moore does not seem the least bit concerned–with the results of the draw, in any event. 

“Designs On Rome doesn’t want to be cluttered up and from gate 11 he’ll just go back to the last four, as we know,” said Moore of the 5-year-old, who again has the services of leading jockey Joao Moreira. Tommy Berry, aboard Designs On Rome in this race 12 months ago, jets in for the ride on Helene Happy Star (Ire) (Zamindar), recently fourth in the Hong Kong Derby and the lone representative of that race’s form. 

While the likely favorite starts nearer the stands, Aussie invader Criterion (NZ) (Sebring {Aus}) has the pole position in gate one, and trainer David Hayes was thrilled with that outcome. 

“He looks like he has held his form from his last run and he has a good barrier,” said Hayes. “As long as [jockey] Craig [Williams] can get a bit of luck between the 600 meters and the 300 meters, he should be competitive. I’m happy with one, we just need luck. If you draw out in these races you have to have that bit of luck whereas we can create a bit of our own luck from in there.” 

Criterion exits a smashing victory in the G1 Longines Queen Elizabeth S. at Randwick Apr. 11, defeating Red Cadeaux (GB) (Cadeaux Genereux {GB}), and that globetrotting fan-favorite will do his thing from stall nine Sunday afternoon.

Designs On Rome Tunes Up…

Designs On Rome was given plenty of time to settle back into his Hong Kong environs following his fourth behind Dolniya (Fr) (Azamour {Ire}) in the 12-furlong test at Meydan a little less than a month ago, but had his first serious gallop last Saturday and completed his major work Thursday morning. Sent out in the company of stable companion and fellow QE II entrant Same World, Designs On Rome covered 1200 meters and quickened through his final quarter mile to clock :24.5. 

“Designs On Rome worked this morning and the jockey’s really happy with his progress since coming back from that run in the Dubai Sheema Classic,” said John Moore, who looks for a third straight win in the QE II. “He just went through the last 400 meters in about 24 seconds without overdoing it. Joao said he’ll be right there again on Sunday. He’s a little bit off in the coat, but I’m sure the extra couple of days will put that sheen back. Every day he has improved since coming back. 

Charlie Gordon-Watson, who picked out Red Cadeaux on behalf of former Hong Kong Jockey Club executive Ron Arculli for 55,000gns at the 2007 Tattersalls October sale, is on hand for the QE II and couldn’t be more impressed with what he is seeing from the 9-year-old. 

“The old boy looks great,” said Gordon-Watson, “and it’s amazing that here he is in Hong Kong taking on Military Attack who, in human terms, is his first cousin.” 

Indeed, the two gallopers hail from the same female family, as Military Attack, the 2013 Hong Kong Horse of the Year, is a half-sister to Red Cadeaux’s dam Artisia (Ire) (Peintre Celebre). Both horses were produced by the Dancing Brave mare Almaaseh (Ire).