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Lynam praises Sole Power ahead of Hong Kong Sprint
"At the end of every season you think it's the end of Sole Power but this was his best year so you keep going with him," the trainer said. Lynam concedes that Sole Power's best races have come at 1000 meters, but remains encouraged by Sole Power's runner-up performance to Lord Kanaloa last year in the 1200-meter Hong Kong Sprint. "He's been more of a 110-rated horse over 1200 meters, but more like 117 or 118 over 1000 meters," Lynam said. "However if he runs like he did in this race last year, he's got a decent chance, if we get luck in running. "There is no exceptional horse this year and the sprint trial here asked as many questions as it answered. I'd be most frightened of the Australian horse Buffering -- if he could get an uncontested lead he might be hard to catch." As to Sole Power's condition on this latest overseas mission, Lynam said: "He's lost a bit more weight than usual. Other than that, he seems fine." Lynam gives the impression he feels added confidence for Sunday because of the fact that Richard Hughes will ride again. Britain's champion jockey partnered Sole Power to his Group 1 wins this year. "Richard says that he and Sole Power were made for each other," Lynam said with a grin. In other Hong Kong International Races news:
Parish Hall, who will entered the Vase off a neck second in the Group 3 Cumberland Lodge at Ascot, covered 1200 meters in 1:31.9, with clockers reporting splits in :33.4, :31.4 and :27.1. The Jim Bolger trainee took to the turf for the first time since his arrival, and stretched out without being asked to do too much. His trainer and race jockey Kevin Manning are scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong on Friday. Red Cadeaux, winner of the 2012 Vase and fourth last year, worked the same distance in 1:31.3, posting splits in :32.6, :32.8 and :25.9. Runner-up in the Melbourne Cup for the third time in four years on November 4, the classy eight-year-old gelding is a top contender Sunday. "He's doing great, same as ever," assistant trainer Robin Trevor-Jones said. "He knows this place well and he's happy. He won't do much more now before Sunday."
"I instructed the rider to drive him strongly in the stretch. He galloped very well and I am very satisfied," trainer Yasutoshi Ikee said. The colt exits a disappointing eighth in the November 23 Mile Championship at Kyoto. "The sluggish start was everything," Ikee said. "He never settled during the race after that and didn't have a hard race, so he recovered quickly. I think if he had started better that day he would have won the race." Trade Storm, winner of the Woodbine Mile and third in the Breeders' Cup Mile, cantered on the all-weather course Wednesday morning with exercise rider Laura Pike. "We're just keeping him ticking over, but Laura's happy with him and says he's very well," assistant Ian Russell said. "He's done plenty of traveling this year, he's very professional, and he's tough, a seasoned campaigner now. He's a very laid back horse and touch wood we've had no problems with him here. (Trainer) David (Simcock) arrives tomorrow and the horse is likely to work on the turf tomorrow and Friday. He's been a great asset to our yard and hopefully he can run well again as he did in Canada and at the Breeders Cup." Cirrus Des Aigles, who will attempt to rebound in the Hong Kong Cup after recording unplaced efforts in his last two starts, worked 800 meters on dirt in :50.1 under regular rider Zoe Gargoulaud. From five previous visits to Hong Kong, the gelding's best finish was a third in last year's Hong Kong Cup and connections are hoping that the sixth time will be the charm for the classy veteran. "He seems to be right mentally," trainer Corine Barande-Barbe said. "I hope he's also right in his heart. I feel he's getting better and better; Perhaps he reaches his peak when he's 50!" The eight-year-old has earned more than $9 million and compiled 18 stakes wins during his storied career. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com
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