Fresh off a commendable run for fourth in the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m) at Sha Tin over the weekend, trainer John Moore has revealed he is eyeing a trip to Australia with talented stayer Dominant to contest the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) on Day 2 of The Championships.
Trainer John Moore has outlined plans for a trip to Australia with Dominant to contest the Group 1 Sydney Cup in 2015. Photo: Daniel Costello
Reigning Hong Kong Stayer of the Year, Dominant was unable to make much of an impact over his first three starts this time in; failing to beat a single runner home in the Group 3 Celebration Cup (1400m) and running 13th in the Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy (1600m) before placing a somewhat forgettable eleventh in the Group 2 Jockey Club Cup (2000m).
Clearly improving tenfold upon stepping up to the 2400m of the Hong Kong Vase, Moore told TVN the lack of appropriate staying targets in Hong Kong underlines the 2015 Sydney Cup as an ideal target, and will urge connections to leave the Cacique entire in work in Australia should the planned trip go ahead.
“Dominant finds the tracks too hard here and there just aren’t the right races for him,” Moore said.
“He needs more ground and there aren’t any options here.
“Of course, the trip would suit, but we would also get more forgiving ground underfoot – and that’s what he really needs at his age.
“The only question now is hearing back from Racing NSW on what the quarantine arrangements are.
“If we can be stabled and trained at Canterbury, in Sydney, we will go. He has been a great horse here, but why waste him?
“I will be trying to convince the syndicate members that campaigning him in Australia, and then leaving him down there, is the best option.”
Securing five race wins and a further seven minor places over 29 competitive appearances on course so far, Dominant began his racing career under the guidance of British trainer Roger Varian before being purchased and transferred to the care of Moore in Hong Kong in late 2011.
A standout over the 2013 Hong Kong calendar, Dominant charged home to win the Group 3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup (2400m) on May 5th before placing third in the Group 1 Champions & Chater Cup (2400m); progressing to a maiden victory at the highest level when comfortably taking care of a talented field in the 2013 edition of the Hong Kong Vase.
