Trainer Gary Moore is delighted with the progress of his sprinter Takedown since his arrival in Hong Kong in the lead up to the Group 1 HK$18.5m Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Takedown, above, is doing well in the lead up to the Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin. Photo by Daniel Costello.
Takedown has had a tough ten days since winning the Group 1 $1m Crown Perth-Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot in Perth on November 26 and has handled a quick trip to Hong Kong via Melbourne without a hiccup.
Moore arrived in Hong Kong yesterday and was very pleased with way the Stratum four year old has settled into his new surroundings.
“This is the first time I’ve seen him since he won the Winterbottom Stakes in Perth, and I’m really delighted with his condition,” Moore told the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Racing News.
“There’s no indication from his blood profile that he’s jaded in any way.”
“There’s no sign of fatigue. He’s a durable horse who does well in the stable and he looks really well.”
“It was quite hot in Perth but he coped with the heat and came through the race in good order.”
Takedown has been restricted to slow work since his first Group 1 success in Perth but Moore will step up the tempo in the lead up to Sunday’s International Spring.
“He’ll do some more serious work tomorrow and that should put him spot on,” Moore said.
“He’s a model of consistency and I think we’re going to be very competitive on Sunday.”
“Let’s just hope he draws a good alley – inside five would be ideal.”
In early betting Takedown is listed as a $10 chance for the Hong Kong Sprint with Ladbrokes.com.au who have local sprinter Lucky Bubbles at the top of the market order at $3.50 ahead of the Japanese pair of Big Arthur at $5 and Red Falx at $7.50.
Market order for Hong Kong Sprint at Ladbrokes.com.au: $3.50 Lucky Bubbles, $5 Big Arthur, $7.50 Red Falx, $9 Aerovelocity, $10 Not Listenin’tome, Takedown, $11 Amazing Kids, $17 Peniaphobia, $19 Rebel Dane, $21 Pure Sensation, Signs Of Blessing, $41 Strathmore, $51 Growl, Super Jockey.
