Re-shoeing just the ticket for Ra in HK International Mile

From NZ Thoroughbred NewsThe remedial re-shoeing of the tough front-running galloper Egyptian Ra (NZ) (Woodborough) could prove just the ticket needed in the HK-2 The Cathay Pacific International Mile on Sunday. Whilst a bruised left front foot ensured a disappointing trial performance last Friday, trainer Tony Cruz has been pleased with the subsequent work of Egyptian Ra since his re-shoeing. Subject to a customary pre-race veterinary examination, the 8YO gelding will head out on to the Sha Tin

From NZ Thoroughbred News

The remedial re-shoeing of the tough front-running galloper Egyptian Ra (NZ) (Woodborough) could prove just the ticket needed in the HK-2 The Cathay Pacific International Mile on Sunday.

Whilst a bruised left front foot ensured a disappointing trial performance last Friday, trainer Tony Cruz has been pleased with the subsequent work of Egyptian Ra since his re-shoeing.

Subject to a customary pre-race veterinary examination, the 8YO gelding will head out on to the Sha Tin track with title defence in mind and with the confidence of a last start tick in October's HK-3 National Day Cup (1400m). Running his rivals ragged in the International Mile Trial last year, Egyptian Ra stopped the clock at 1:33.28 - a time only marginally outside of the 1:33.1 track record achieved by Down Town in 2007.

Second in the race last year Sight Winner (NZ) (Faltaat) likewise heads out with a strong claim in the HK-2 feature.

Turning the tables of his NZ-Bred nemesis, Sight Winner had the wood over Egyptian Ra in April's Gr.1 Champions Mile (1600m), shading him out of the winner's enclosure by 0.1 of a length

Success a year earlier in the 2007 Gr.1 Champions Mile also elevates the chance of the kiwi horse Able One (NZ) (Cape Cross) on Sunday.

Coming into the race with a win in June's HK-3 Premier Cup (1400m), Able One is one of 5 NZ fancies in the race.

New Zealand's other chances lie with last October's HK-3 National Day Cup (1400m) winner Fellowship (NZ) (O'Reilly) and with the proven 1600m Keeper gelding Special Days (NZ).