In the realm of Hong Kong horse racing, the Chevalier Cup, particularly the 1,600-meter Class One race, has traditionally been more of a stepping stone than a guarantee for success at the prestigious Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR). However, renowned trainer John Size is optimistic that his contender, Running Glory, can defy the odds and use the upcoming race as a launchpad for a strong performance at next month’s highly anticipated meeting.
Size, a 12-time champion trainer, has a history of utilizing the Chevalier Cup as a final preparation for HKIR. This year, Running Glory will follow in the footsteps of Size’s previous contenders, marking the trainer’s strategic approach to the race. Over the past five seasons, the Chevalier Cup has seen several of Size’s trainees use it as their last run before the HKIR, although success has been elusive.
Past participants such as What Else But You, Lucky Express, Excellent Proposal, Northern Superstar, and Butterfield have all attempted to carry the momentum from the Chevalier Cup into HKIR, with varying degrees of success. The only notable triumph following a Chevalier Cup run was Precision’s victory in the 2002 Hong Kong Cup, overcoming long odds and a challenging barrier.
This year, Running Glory, who placed ninth in last year’s Chevalier Cup, carries the hopes of reversing the trend. The horse has demonstrated potential with seven wins in 22 starts and has secured a spot in the HK$36 million Hong Kong Cup (2,000m), part of the HKIR line-up, which features top contenders like Romantic Warrior and Luxembourg.
Size acknowledges the challenge ahead and is cautious yet optimistic about Running Glory’s prospects. The horse needs to prove its mettle in the upcoming Chevalier Cup before tackling the more formidable opponents at HKIR. Running Glory’s past performance, which includes a victory in February’s Class Two TVB Cup (2,000m), and his current rating progression from 89 to 105, indicate a horse on the ascent.
In the upcoming race, Running Glory will not be alone from Size’s stable. Stablemates Red Lion and Bourbonaire will join him, with Red Lion coming off a strong second-place finish in the Class One Panasonic Cup (1,400m). Size expresses confidence in Bourbonaire’s potential in the handicap race, given his recent commendable performance.
Size, who recently achieved the milestone of 1,500 Hong Kong winners, has a total of 11 runners at Sha Tin, including Wunderbar in the Class Four Chevalier Lifts & Escalators Handicap (1,000m). Wunderbar, ridden by James McDonald, impressed in his previous outing, winning over the same distance, indicating promising prospects for another victory.
As the Chevalier Cup approaches, all eyes are on Running Glory and his stablemates, with the racing community eager to see if they can rewrite the narrative and achieve a significant impact at the upcoming HKIR.
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