DAMIEN Oliver and Craig Williams will represent Australia at the Hong Kong International on December 13.
The two champion jockeys have experience riding in Hong Kong. Oliver steered Falvelon to victory in the 2000 and 2001 Hong Kong Sprint and Williams was a permanent to ride for David Hayes in Australia.
Williams will team up with Hayes again as he replaces Michael Walker aboard Criterion in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup [2000 metres].
“I’m looking forward to representing Australia,” Williams said.
“Most importantly, we’ve seen Criterion compete in Hong Kong – he likes getting over there. He’s had a rock solid preparation over the last 18 months.”
Criterion finished third in the Hong Kong Cup last year and it followed that up with another placing in the QEII Cup last April with Williams in the saddle. Co-trainer David Hayes believes he has Criterion in fit order ahead of another international raid.
“He is in great shape and the six weeks between the Cup [Melbourne Cup] run and the Hong Kong Cup is ideal,” Hayes said.
“He is a seasoned traveller now and I don’t think the Hong Kong Cup is as strong as it was last year.”
Damien Oliver will partner last start Flemington winner Lucia Valentina and its trainer Kris Lees was honoured to receive an invitation.
“She has been back at Broadmeadow for a week and will be flown from Sydney to Hong Kong next Monday,” Lees said.
“It’s a great honour to be invited to such a prestigious meeting, and I’m really looking forward to it.
“It is a terrific opportunity to test the mare on the world stage. It is over her best distance, and I’m sure she’ll be competitive.”
Lucia Valentina is currently an $11 chance with Criterion on the second line of betting at $4 with Sportsbet.com.au.
The Australian-performed Gailo Chop ($13) also holds an invitation, with former Australian Savvy Nature at a value price of $81 at CrownBet.com.au.
Kingston Town Classic attracts quality field
2015 Railway Stakes winner Good Project will not be lining up in the Kingston Town, but the field hasn’t lost any of its quality.
Delicacy was extremely unlucky last Saturday after being chopped out at the start, but it returns for the Kingston Town Classic where Sportsbet.com.au have opened it as the $5 favourite – better than $4 being offered elsewhere.
The Oaks and Derby winner should have a much better chance at winning with a bit of luck, but the Group 1 has attracted a hot field which includes the Andreas Wohler-trained Magic Artist.
The German runner opened as the favourite with some bookmakers after bypassing the Railway Stakes and it’s rare to see a European import travel to Perth.
Another high-quality runner is the unbeaten Perfect Reflection which dominated rivals in the WA Champion Fillies Stakes, but it faces tougher and more experienced opposition here. It is $7 with some bookmakers and is pushing for favouritism with others at $4.
Kingston Town Classic market:
Odds courtesy of Sportsbet.com.au*
Delicacy – $5
Perfect Reflection – $5
Magic Artist – $6
Real Love – $6
Black Heart Bart – $8.50
Arcadia Dream – $9
Blackwood – $15
Snowy Chloe – $15
Extra Zero – $15
Wink And A Nod – $15
Miss Rose de Lago – $15
Neverland – $17
Man Booker – $17
Mirage – $18
Hazzabeel – $21
Balmont Girl – $21
Battle Hero – $21
Fuchsia Bandana – $21
Red Excitement – $21
Messene – $26
Bookmakers unfazed by Able Friend defeat
Able Friend closed as the $1.20 favourite in a Group 2 race last weekend, but it was unable to cross the line first as the Tony Cruz-trained Beauty Flame caused the massive upset.
Bookmakers still have it as the short favourite for the Hong Kong Mile next month and trainer John Moore isn’t overly worried about its last performance.
“Moreira said when he got off the track suited horses that were on the speed – that those on the speed were going to do better,” Moore said.
“He still broke 22 seconds coming home [21.87]. He’s well enough. People might put it down to a flat run but I’d put it down to circumstances – the pattern of the race and so forth.
“He’ll be absolutely right for the Mile in December.”
Able Friend was quoted at $1.60 prior to its defeat last weekend and bookmakers have only put its price out by 10 cents to $1.70.
Closest in the market to Able Friend are Esoterique ($4.50) and Toormore at $6.
George Moore Stakes field and market
Sportsbet.com.au have released the market for the 2015 George Moore Stakes this Saturday where That’s A Good Idea has opened as the $3.50 favourite.
The Brisbane feature includes two well-backed local chances with Temple Of Boom ($5) and Miss Cover Girl ($6) both fancied in the market.
Top class runner Fontelina is a value runner at $10 with the speedy Didntcostalot currently quoted at $11. There is plenty of value to be snapped up at Sportsbet so get in early for the best price.
That’s A Good Idea – $3.50
Temple Of Boom – $5
Miss Cover Girl – $6
Architect – $7.50
Fontelina – $10
Didntcostalot – $11
Charge Account – $13
Feltre – $17
Whiskey Allround – $17
Le Val – $21
Top Tone – $21
Neo – $26
Casual Choice – $26
Saluter – $34
Final Crescendo – $51
Gundy Spirit – $51
Finishing Card – $61
Selfie – $101
Anna Lizzie – $101