PLANS have been revealed for some of the principals on Sunday's Cathay Pacific-sponsored international card at Sha Tin, and several of them are likely to join feature event winner Eagle Mountain in search of further riches around the globe.
Eagle Mountain's trainer Mike de Kock confirmed on Sunday that the four-year-old would run in either the Duty Free or the Sheema Classic on Dubai's World Cup night at the end of March, and could then return to England for Royal Ascot, where the Prince Of Wales's Stakes looks the likeliest target.
The locally-trained star Viva Pataca, who enjoyed no luck in running when fourth to Eagle Mountain, could also return to Dubai, where he failed to do himself full justice in second in the Sheema Classic last March.
Provided owner Stanley Ho Hung Sun agrees, trainer John Moore will enter the gelding, who British racegoers once knew as Comic Strip, for the same race again, firmly believing it can be a different story this time.
Moore said: "I've said many times I'd love to win a Group 1 on foreign soil, and I do believe that Viva Pataca is the right horse to do it.
"The thing is he is so much more relaxed and settled this season than last, and that would be a big asset if he was travelling. He will be entered for Dubai, but it will depend on Dr Ho."
Andreas Schutz: will take Good Ba Ba to Dubai if owner agrees
Subject to similar talks, Hong Kong's Horse Of The Year Good Ba Ba, who was hugely impressive in the Mile, is also likely to appear at the Dubai Carnival, with Andreas Schutz eyeing the Dubai Duty Free.
His owner John Yuen Se Kit is evidently not personally keen on travel abroad, but he has allowed Good Ba Ba to race in Japan in the past.
Schutz can explain two disappointments in the Yasuda Kinen and believes that Good Ba Ba would be well worth taking to Dubai.
The trainer said: "The one thing I would definitely say is he won't be going to Japan again. But the race in Dubai is worth a lot of money and I think it's something we could think seriously about."
He is due to run in the Citi Stewards Cup on January 24 before a decision is made.
The shock Sprint winner Inspiration, a stablemate of Viva Pataca, looks almost certain to be on his travels.
The Lightning Stakes, a 5f Group 1 run at Flemington, Australia, on January 31 is first on the agenda.
It is the first leg of the Global Sprint Challenge, which continues in feature sprint races in Australia, England, Japan and then back in Hong Kong, where Suday's race was the last leg of the 2008 Challenge.
Moore said: "Now he's won in at international level there is really no choice but to press forward with him in races of this kind. I think the main thing with him is to keep him fresh."
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
