By Alan Carasso
As is often the case, Hong Kong-based short-trackers swept the top three spots in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint Dec. 13, and that trio faces a rematch in Sunday's Centenary Sprint Cup at Sha Tin.
It was Peniaphobia (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire})'s day Dec. 13, as he overcame a horrible draw in gate 14, burned across to set a generous pace and managed to turn the tables on favored Gold-Fun (Ire) (Le Vie Dei Colori {GB}), who had defeated Peniaphobia by 1 1/4 lengths on their previous meeting in the G2 Jockey Club Sprint Nov. 21. He looks to defend his title here.
“He's a more mature type of horse these days and he knows the game well now–his character is much better than ever before and he's improved through all the time I've had him,” said trainer Tony Cruz.
While last year's victory earned Peniaphobia a trip to Dubai for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint–in which he finished a gallant second to Sole Power (GB) (Kyllachy {GB})–the plans this year likely do not call for another overseas raid.
“We'll have to look at whether or not we go to Dubai, there's a doubt about going there at this stage because the Jockey Club has the Chairman's Sprint Prize here on Champions Mile day,” Cruz said. “The prize money is really good [HK$10 million], so I think we'll probably focus on that this time around instead of taking him to Dubai,” said the trainer.
Gold-Fun, who will once again have the services of Christophe Soumillion, was hardly disgraced as the 4-5 favorite in the Hong Kong Sprint and was beaten a half-length by a horse who was simply better on the day. The chestnut could enjoy the run of the race from stall two and has every chance to reverse form.
Aerovelocity (NZ) (Pins {Aus}) won the 2014 Sprint and had a $1-million bonus waiting for him if he could successfully defend his title last month. But a heart irregularity discovered when last in his first-up run in the Premier Bowl H. Oct. 25 has kept him sidelined since. A recent barrier trial over the Sha Tin all-weather should have the 7-year-old ready, but race-fitness is certainly a concern.
Not Listenin'tome (Aus) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}) has rounded into excellent form this season, having run third to Gold-Fun in the Jockey Club Sprint before filling the same spot on international day. He carried top weight of 133 pounds to a one-length defeat of a troubled Strathmore (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) in the Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Jan. 1 and gets back out to 1200 meters for this. Bloodwork drawn on Not Listenin'tome Saturday revealed some mild inflammation, but he remains engaged in the race subject to another test Sunday morning.
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