Dubai: Hong Kong trainer John Moore believes the country has brought its best ever contingent to this year’s Dubai World Cup.
In total, Hong Kong has eight runners on World Cup night including Moore’s Military Attack and Richard Gibson’s Akeed Mofeed in the main event.
Moore also has Sterling City in the Dubai Golden Shaheen, with Michael Chang’s Rich Tapestry and Dominant featuring in the Dubai Sheema Classic. Meanwhile, Tony Cruz has Blazing Speed in the Dubai Duty Free and Joy And Fun in the Al Quoz Sprint alongside Ricky Yiu’s Amber Sky.
“There’s eight of them here, and they are the very best we have,” said Moore. “This is a very good crop of horses, who over the past few years have really come up to the elite level, and been able to compete at group one level.”
Moore also suggested that with it being mid-season in Hong Kong, their runners had the advantage.
“They are coming here well into our season with all the necessary mileage in their legs and that’s why on the day they just might beat horses that are better than them. We’ve got fitness on our side.
“It’s very exciting and I think Hong Kong is going to do very well, I wouldn’t be surprised if we won three races.”
Hong Kong’s biggest horses have often failed to live up to expectation in Dubai, but Moore said it’s got nothing to do with the all-weather track.
“In Hong Kong, we have a very good dirt surface that’s not that deep at all. The transition shouldn’t be a problem, I wouldn’t have entered them if I felt they couldn’t handle the surface.”
Richard Gibson agreed on the quality of Hong Kong horses and their suitability for the track.
“It’s interesting to hear John Moore talk,” said Gibson. “He’s got the knowledge of past Hong Kong champions and standards. I’m still a rookie but I’d reiterate we’ve brought over a very good team of horses at the right time of year.
“As for the surface, this is a World Cup, it’s exactly what it says on the ticket. A real champion horse has to adapt to all conditions. This is the Olympic Games of racing and there are no excuses.”
