Viva camp dream of Classics honours

3/28/2008 - 12:05:50 PM

Connections of Viva Pataca hope to emulate fellow Hong Kong raider Vengeance Of Rain by winning the Dubai Sheema Classic at Nad Al Sheba.

The six-year-old, who raced in Britain as Comic Strip for Sir Mark Prescott, twice defeated last year’s Classic winner in 2007 and trainer John Moore is confident the gelding is back to his correct racing weight.

Moore said: “My son George has been looking after the horse and he tells me there was a turning point a couple of days ago when the horse really starting to pick up and put on the weight he lost when he first arrived.

“He looks in great shape now.

“Hong Kong had Vengeance Of Rain win the Sheema last year and I believe my horse is every bit as good as him, even if he is the new kid on the block.

“On that basis, he must be rated a big chance.”

Viva Pataca will be ridden by Australian Darren Beadman, who is also in high spirits.

“This horse has an almighty turn of foot when you let him go,” said the jockey.

“If he can stalk them in a good spot he’ll take some beating. I’m feeling pretty confident.”

Mick Channon’s Youmzain last year had two near-misses at the highest level, coming off second best to Dylan Thomas in the Arc and the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

“I have had a long time to get him fit so if I can’t get him fit in five months, I’m not doing my job right,” said Channon.

“We have come from a very cold climate, but that is why we have come out as early as we did.

“We came here last year and finished third, but we have probably had a better preparation.

“The experience of last year has helped. He didn’t surprise me last year with how well he did.

“He is a high-class horse with a great cruising speed and he has got a kick, so we just need the race to run to allow him to use the kick.

“The horse deserves to win a big one, he has knocked on the door enough. We have been trying hard. I have a good team trying hard.”

John Oxx refused to talk up the chances of the Aga Khan-owned Mourilyan, the mount of Mick Kinane.

Oxx said: “He is quietly progressive and has handicap-winning form here, but this is a big step up in class.

“He would prefer easier ground and can be slow from the gates.

“Those are my worries so I am more hopeful than confident.”