Phoenix Reach set to shine in HK
Connections of Phoenix Reach are confident of a big run from the money-spinning five-year-old in the Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup in Hong Kong on Sunday.
Successful on his only previous visit to Sha Tin in the former colony, the Andrew Balding-trained entire will bid for his his third major international prize on the bounce when he faces 13 rivals in the 10-furlong showpiece.
The 2003 St Leger third completed a smart workout on the turf this morning under his big-race jockey Martin Dwyer, working down the turf straight and stopping the clock at 23.0 seconds for the final 400m.
Balding said: “I’m really pleased with the horse and he’s thrived since Dubai. The man on top is happy with him and that’s good enough for me.”
And Dwyer was unequivocal in his verdict. “The horse is better than ever,” he said.
