Hong Kong Cup champion goes for the big prize

Newmarket, England: Previously trained in Ireland, Akeed Mofeed improved markedly for his new connections in Hong Kong last year, when he won the Hong Kong Derby (G1) in March and the Hong Kong Cup (G1) in December. His most recent effort was below par, but overall his record is pretty impressive — and he is a live longshot for the Dubai World Cup (G1).

Akeed Mofeed looked seriously good as he found his way out of a pocket at a crucial stage of the Hong Kong Cup finish, and quickened past Tokei Halo to win by a length. Tokei Halo, who runs in the Dubai Duty Free (G1), is one of the best horses in Japan, and beating this contender so readily made Akeed Mofeed one of the best in Hong Kong. He won the 2,000 metres event in the style of a horse ready to take on bigger tasks. Third, fourth and fifth places were filled by Group One winners Cirrus des Aigles, Military Attack and Side Glance. These will all also be in action at Meydan on March 29.

The form was incredibly solid, and it came as no big surprise to see Akeed Mofeed start 2014 with another win. It came in a race of lesser importance, the Centenary Vase (G3) over 1,800 metres at Sha Tin in February, but the achievement was a great deal more impressive than a first glance at the result chart might lead you to believe. Akeed Mofeed was much, much the best on the day, and this was a handicap, meaning that he carried more weight than any of his nine rivals. Runner-up Ashkiyr, a good runner with a Group One placing to his name, had 20lb (9kg) less on his his back. With recent stakes winner Same World third and Dan Excel fourth, Akeed Mofeed had produced yet another notable performance.

Understandably, Akeed Mofeed was popular in the betting for the Hong Kong Gold Cup three weeks later. Going off at 11-10, he was marginally preferred over Military Attack. Though it was the latter who came home victorious after the valuable contest, having won easily by three lengths from Dan Excel. Akeed Mofeed had a bad day and passed the winning post in fifth place, five-and-a-quarter lengths behind Military Attack, who he had beaten by one-and-a-half lengths when winning the Hong Kong Cup. So, on this year’s form, it is hard not to side with Military Attack as Hong Kong’s best chance of lifting the World Cup.

Then again, it is hard to forget the explosive finishing kick displayed by Akeed Mofeed last December.

— The writer is a thoroughbred form expert and editor of www.stabell.co.uk