Designs On a Repeat Mission
Reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year Designs On Rome (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) will attempt to become the first horse since Japan’s Eishin Preston (Green Dancer) in 2002-2003 to record back-to-back successes in Sunday’s G1 Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin Racecourse. He is somewhat surprisingly the second favorite in early wagering as he cuts back to his preferred 2000-meter trip off his deceptively good fourth-place effort off no pace whatsoever in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic going a metric 12 furlongs Mar. 28. Winner of the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup and G1 Citibank Hong Kong Gold Cup over the course and distance in his two most recent tries, he retains the full confidence of trainer John Moore.
“From his gallop last week to his work on Thursday, the improvement’s been really something,” said Moore, who is in search of a third straight score in the QE II. “We took a close look at him, both on the track and back at the stable, and he’s put on good body weight. He could have more sheen in his coat but that’s all part and parcel of what happens when you travel horses. All in all, we think we’re in there with a great chance.”
The locals have gone for Criterion (NZ) (Sebring {Aus}) in the overnight markets as he makes his second trip to Hong Kong in the last five months. Third to Designs On Rome at the International meeting in December, the chestnut returned home for a prep geared toward The Championships in Sydney Apr. 11. The plan game together in smashing fashion when the 4-year-old frolicked over a rain-affected surface to best Red Cadeaux (GB) (Cadeaux Genereux {GB}) by a decisive 2 1/2 lengths.
“He’s settled in like he’s been here all his life,” trainer David Hayes commented. “He’s eaten up all week and thrived. His attitude is the thing that’s really pleased me. He’s been so relaxed.”
Military Attack (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}) scooped this event in 2013 and was narrowly defeated by Designs On Rome in defense of his title 12 months ago. Also just touched off by that familiar foe in the Hong Kong Cup, he laid up close to the pace in the Hong Kong Gold Cup Mar. 1, but weakened late to finish three lengths adrift in fourth. The veteran was found to be ‘mildly lame’ in his left front foot and will be subjected to a race-day veterinary inspection before being allowed to participate.
The form of the Hong Kong Derby, won by the G1 Champions Mile-bound Luger (Aus) (Choisir {Aus}), is represented by Helene Happy Star (Ire) (Zamindar). A closing fourth in that course-and-distance affair Mar. 15, he is taking a fair amount of early support on the tote. Tommy Berry will shoot for a third consecutive QE II score as he jets in from Australia.