Able Friend Passed Fit to Run in the Mile

Able Friend (Aus) (Shamardal), the world's top rated horse at the mile, has been passed fit to defend his title in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile Sunday afternoon at Sha Tin Racecourse. The strapping chestnut, who breezed down the backside of the course Thursday, was said to have had a 'pulse' in a foot and was subject to a midday veterinary exam. Examined in the 11 a.m. hour, he has been cleared to take part. As of 11:45 a.m. Hong Kong time, Able Friend was the 1.8 (4-5) favorite, with Japan's Maurice (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}) his chief market rival at 4.5 (7-2). Post time for the Mile is 2:50 a.m. ET.