QEII Cup 2016: Rain no problem for Rising Romance

The Hong Kong weather has played its part in morning trackwork at Sha Tin ahead of the QEII Cup.

Australia’s representative Rising Romance only had a light work-out on the all weather track on Friday, two days out from her assignment.

But trainer David Hayes was not concerned and was hoping for a little more rain on Sunday.

“She’s fit and well and the track was OK for light work despite the rain,” Hayes said.

“I wouldn’t mind some rain for her come Sunday. We’re hoping for the best now after she drew well yesterday.”

Rising Romance will jump from gate four with Damien Lane to ride.

“Four’s great, the perfect draw,” Hayes said.

“She can be cruising in the first four or five while others are jostling for a position.”

Sydney jockey Tommy Berry, who is riding on a short-term contract in Japan, will be aboard the John Moore-trained Designs On Rome who he rode to win the race two years ago.

Berry will be back in Hong Kong a week later to take the ride on Chautauqua in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize.

The world’s highest-ranked sprinter, Chautauqua takes on a quality field which includes fellow Australian Buffering, winner of the recent Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai.

Trainer Robert Heathcote said Buffering worked on the dirt on Friday and would head to the turf on Saturday morning.

“Buffering worked steady on a wet and sloppy dirt track at Sha Tin this morning,” Heathcote said.

“He is doing super.”

Chautauqua had a more serious hit-out with a gallop over 1200m on the turf.

 

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au

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