Francis Lui eyes another big prize with Cap Ferrat
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Cap Ferrat is chasing history this weekend when he contests the Triple Crown’s third and final leg – the HK$13 million Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) – at Sha Tin for trainer Francis Lui and jockey Craig Williams.
Since Hong Kong racing turned professional in 1971/72, only five horses have completed the Hong Kong Derby-Champions & Chater Cup double in the same season – an exclusive and highly revered club Cap Ferrat can gain access into with victory: Co-Tack (1983), River Verdon (1991), Makarpura Star (1995), Vengeance Of Rain (2005) and Viva Pataca (2006).
Owned by Karen Lo, Cap Ferrat surprised with a ground-saving win in March’s HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m) after arriving in Hong Kong from Australia as a dual Group 1 placegetter. Victory was the four-year-old’s first of his career in either jurisdiction before his most recent fifth in the HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) on FWD Champions Day in April behind Japan’s Tastiera.
“He’s good, it’s just the distance – we don’t know. I think he can handle it. He ran well last start but he used a little bit more energy because the draw (eight) wasn’t ideal,” Lui said.
Reigning champion trainer Lui’s Snitzel gelding has previously raced once over Sunday’s distance, finishing sixth in the 2024 Group 1 ATC Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick behind star Australian gallopers Riff Rocket, Ceolwulf and Tom Kitten.
“It’s easier for European horses to handle the distance. Cap Ferrat is an easy horse, a healthy horse and he is happy. I think Dubai Honour and Voyage Bubble are the ones to beat. I think at least 1800 to 2000 metres are his (Cap Ferrat) best distances,” Lui said.
Sunday’s 12th and final Group 1 race this season also sees Voyage Bubble, Dubai Honour, Ensued, Moments In Time, Rubylot, Five G Patch, La City Blanche, Winning Dragon, Bundle Award and Sword Point among the entries.
Voyage Bubble is chanced with becoming Hong Kong’s second Triple Crown winner in history after River Verdon (1993/94). The Triple Crown comprises the HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m), HK$13 million Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) and Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup.
Success in all three legs affords connections of the triumphant horse a HK$10 million bonus.
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