Able Friend impresses in trial ahead of Hong Kong Mile
TRAINER John Moore and jockey Joao Moreira were pleased with that they got from Able Friend at the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races barrier trials on Friday.
The 2014 Hong Kong Mile champion cruised to the line under a hold at Sha Tin and Moore stated the seven-year-old needed the run.
“That trial was very necessary to get that fitness into him because we’re very aware that we’re that one run short in terms of the ideal prep,” Moore said.
“He trialled really well and Joao was very emphatic about the fact that the trial was really good. He got off with a smile on his face and said it was a dramatic improvement.”
The $5.50 Hong Kong Mile hope suffered a tendon issue after running third in the Hong Kong Mile last year and its run for fourth in the Wealth Management Handicap last start was encouraging.
“We never trialled him before the big race last year, we just went straight in, but this time it’s been a little bit of a different prep. We’ve just needed to get that little bit more fitness into him,” Moore said.
“Everything is going to plan with regard to this type of prep. It’s been a case of getting that muscle back into his quarters, which we’ve been doing with track work and swimming – you can see that there’s definitely a change in his quarters since he came back into work in September, he’s got stronger.
“With such a long lay-off it takes time to get the right muscle back again. We’re happy the way things are going.
“That trial was what we wanted to see.”
Moore also trialled Helene Paragon which travelled strongly behind runners before finishing fifth behind Amazing Kids.
The $8.50 chance with Sportsbet.com.au gives Moore a two-pronged attack in the Hong Kong Mile and all signs are positive.
“That was a good trial by Helene Paragon. It was just to make sure, fitness-wise, for the big day,” Moore said.
“In my opinion, he’d have won the other day had he not been balked in running and that’s what (Hugh) Bowman said.
“We’re going into the Mile with two live chances. It’s exciting – we’ve got a good chance of winning the Mile again.”