By Alan Carasso
The first of the spring features in Hong Kong, the G1 Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m), has attracted a field relatively short on numbers, but high in class, and though the locals have maintained a stranglehold on the HK$20 million event over the last decade or so, Neorealism (Jpn) (Neo Universe {Jpn}) appears possessed of the talent to take the prize back to Japan for the first time since Rulership (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}) proved too tough in 2012.
A veteran of just 16 career starts at the age of six, the blaze-faced chestnut celebrated his coming-out party in a big way last August, leading throughout to best Horse of the Year and treble Hong Kong Group 1 winner Maurice (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}) in the G2 Sapporo Kinen (2000m). Beaten into ninth by Beauty Only (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) in last year's G1 Hong Kong Mile, Neorealism was the smart winner of his seasonal return from a handy position in the G2 Nakayama Kinen (1800m) Feb. 26, defeating Vivlos (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), who returned to annex the G1 Dubai Turf in her next run; and Real Steel (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), victorious in the latter event in 2016. While Mirco Demuro had the call at Nakayama last time, Joao Moreira is at the controls Sunday.
“I'm happy with the horse, he's well, he's free and he's ready to go there and rock 'n roll,” the Brazilian told the HKJC notes team Thursday after putting the horse through his paces. “He gave me a really good impression and he should be fitter [by Sunday]. He has a big chance.”
There has not been a repeat winner of the QE II since Japan's Eishin Preston (Green Dancer) in 2001 and 2002, but reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year Werther (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) can snap that streak Sunday. Having missed the International Races meeting in December via injury, the 5-year-old has one win from three runs this year, a razor-thin defeat of 2015 QE II champ Blazing Speed (GB) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}) in the G1 Hong Kong Gold Cup over the course and distance. A useful fourth to stablemate Rapper Dragon (Aus) (Street Boss) in the Chairman's Trophy (1600m) Apr. 9, he is back at his best trip and will take plenty of beating.
“The way he's working into the race, I couldn't be happier,” trainer John Moore enthused. “We're going in with very high hopes. He's definitely the one to beat–he's had a perfect prep.”
With Rapper Dragon headed to next Sunday's G1 Champions Mile, 'TDN Rising Star' Pakistan Star (Ger) (Shamardal) represents this year's Hong Kong Derby form and was still green when running on into second in the domestic centrepiece Mar. 19. He's been a work in progress for trainer Tony Cruz and owner Kerm Din, who purchased Pakistan Star for HK$6 million at the 2016 Hong Kong International Sale, but connections are confident he's turned the corner.
“Tony has done a good job and we can see that he is starting to grow up now,” Din told the HKJC's David Morgan. “We need to give him a chance and if we give him more time he should be very nice for next season. When he turns five, I think he will run-up with any horse.” (Click for more on Pakistan Star).
Designs on Rome (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) followed on his Derby score with a spine-tingling win in this event in 2014, though a minor placing seems the ceiling this time around.
Secret Weapon (GB) (Choisir {Aus}), second to Maurice in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup; the swan-songing G1 Ranvet S. winner The United States (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}); and the locally owned French Group 3 winner and Classic-placed Dicton (GB) (Lawman {Fr}) complete the QE II field.
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