CURRENCY SECOND FAVOURITE

By Sarah Whitelaw
9 December 2003

 

South African champion sprinter, National Currency, is currently second favourite for the Hong Kong Sprint, to be run on Sunday at Sha Tin. The hot favourite is the unbeaten Hong Kong star, Silent Witness. National Currency is followed by Hong Kong runners, Cheerful Fortune and Grand Delight whilst the high class British runners, Acclamation and Deportivo are next best in the market.

The Mile sees the smart Lohengrin top the market. The son of Singspiel is a Grade Two winner in Japan and prior to a disappointing run in the Mile Championship had run second in the Group One Prix du Moulin to French Oaks winner Nebraska Tornado, defeating another Prix de Diane winner in Bright Sky. He is followed in the market by last year's winner Olympic Express. The five year old is coming off a last place behind Sprint favourite Silent Witness over five furlongs. Others in the market include Yasuda Kinen runner up Admire Max, Lucky Owners-coming off four wins in his last five starts and French group two winner Special Kaldoun who was earlier fourth to BC Mile winner Six Perfections.

The Vase sees recent Premio Roma winner, Imperial Dancer top the boards. The son of Primo Dominie was earlier fourth in the Champion Stakes to Rakti before winning his first Group One race in the Roma. High class filly, Vallee Enchantee is second favourite, coming off an impressive win against the colts in the group two Prix du Conseil de Paris. Coronation Cup winner Warrsan and Hardwicke Stakes hero Indian Creek are next best fancied.

The Cup sees Falbrav make his swansong. The entire retires to stud in Japan next year. He is a warm favourite in the ten furlong race, coming off a game third in the BC Turf. The seven time Group One winner does face stiff competition from Rakti. The second favourite is coming off a smashing win in the Champion Stakes. The race also features dual Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner Eishin Preston and the improving Weightless.