Ready and Willing, But Able?

Unraced since being defeated into third as the odds-on favorite in last year's G1 Hong Kong Mile, the hulking Able Friend (Aus) (Shamardal) makes a much-anticipated return to the races in Sunday's G2 Jockey Club Sprint, an event that he could be using as a springboard back to the Mile–in which he proved far too classy in 2014–or the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint.

But first things first.

Nearly withdrawn from last year's international races at the 11th hour with a foot issue, he was passed fit to run, but couldn't mix it late with Maurice (Jpn). Subsequently spelled in Australia with a tendon problem, Able Friend suffered a freak setback in September, but overcame that and trialled nicely when fifth behind Lucky Bubbles (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}). For his part, trainer John Moore is sufficiently confident, even at this abbreviated distance.

“He's not getting any younger; it's like any athlete, over time the body changes and there are little bits of wear and tear to deal with–that's normal,” Moore acknowledged. “But when it comes to ability and heart, he's lost none of that. He'll overcome all that, though and he'll be a force to reckon with, both on the weekend and in December.”

Lucky Bubbles looked the winner of the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize over this course and distance last May, only to succumb to a powerful late charge from Chautauqua (Aus) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}). The pint-sized chestnut with the big blaze showed few signs of rust in his first-up run, finding the line a neck to the good of a slow-starting and fast-finishing Amazing Kids (NZ) (Falkirk {NZ}) in the G2 Premier Bowl H. Oct. 23.

The last two winners of the Hong Kong Sprint add to the intrigue of the Jockey Club Sprint. Aerovelocity (NZ) (Pins {Aus}) proved too good in the 2014 Sprint, but was forced to miss a title defence last December, opening the door for Peniaphobia (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}). The sometimes-quirky Aerovelocity gave a good account of himself in the Premier Bowl, finishing a strong third from a prominent position, while Peniaphobia, seventh to Lucky Bubbles last time after attending the pace, is still in search of peak form. Silvestre de Sousa will take the reins for trainer Tony Cruz.