Buddies aims to back up

Buddies

will shoulder top-weight of 131lb, a full 10lb more than last start winner (121lb) in the feature, the Class 2 Kwangtung Handicap Cup (1650m) at on Sunday, 27 October. The latter is a progressive four-year-old with four wins from nine outings all told and three wins from four on the dirt.

takes the reins from Purton for a first race ride on the -trained galloper. The South African was in the plate for a recent barrier trial and galloped the Australian-bred on Thursday (24 October) morning.

“His trial was ok, he seems a horse that doesn't really turn it on immediately when you ask, it takes a bit of time to unwind but he's doing good. He'll find the step up in class a little more competitive but he is a nice horse and I'm hoping he'll still be competitive,” Van Niekerk said.

The gelding had an awkward break from the gate when wining in Class 3 last time.

“He actually came out really quick (in the barrier trial) so maybe he just caught a bit of a stumble last time because he comes out so quick. I came out about two lengths clear of the field in the trial, so he's a horse that's quick out and I'll probably be in front and let him use his action. The less kick-up you get the better.”

Van Niekerk has partnered Elusive State in trackwork previously and believes that opponent will make it a good test for his up-and-comer.

“Elusive state is a very nice horse on the dirt, it's a step up for Buddies and he'll find it much more competitive so I'm just hoping he gets a good run,” the rider added.

The -trained pair of Raging Blitzkrieg (127lb) and (121lb) will also line up, along with the Tony Cruz-trained (125lb) and the Francis Lui-trained (118lb).

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