Moore might get his Hong Kong wish with Takedown
TRAINER Gary Moore had hoped to send Takedown to Hong Kong all season and he might get his wish as after the Hong Kong Jockey Club extended a late invitation.
Takedown ($21 at CrownBet) had missed out on the field for the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint on December 11, but it could now take its place in the field providing everything goes well in Saturday’s Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot.
“I received the call last night around 8pm,” Moore said.
“The Hong Kong Jockey Club extended an invitation for Takedown and so I spoke with owner Antony Thompson about it.
“We were honoured to get the invite and we’ll make a decision after the Winterbottom. I’m hopeful we’ll go.”
Moore has stated that the four-year-old is the right horse to take to Hong Kong all season as the track conditions and tempo will suit the Premiere Stakes winner.
“He’s the right horse to take to Hong Kong,” Moore said.
“He’s raced in Sydney, Melbourne and now Perth this campaign but he’s got the right constitution, is best suited at 1200m and races best on the firm tracks.
“I am expecting a strong performance on Saturday. He was a bit heavy last time but I’ve got him back to about 616kg now which is his ideal racing weight.
“The fast pace will suit as will an expected fast track.”
Takedown could join fellow Australian-trained runner Rebel Dane ($21 at Bet365) in the Hong Kong Sprint and Tim Clark has been tipped to ride.