The Jake Stephens-trained vetern stayer Alcopop is off to Hong Kong in a bid to win Grp 1 glory in the Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Dec 9. The 8YO finished 2nd to Dunaden in the Caulfield Cup before notching his first Grp 1 win in the LKS Mackinnon Stakes 2000m at Flemington on November 3. "He had an easy week after that and then a good hitout at the track yesterday," says Stephens. "We wouldn't be going if we weren't happy with the horse and his condition."Robert Smer
The Jake Stephens-trained vetern stayer Alcopop is off to Hong Kong in a bid to win Grp 1 glory in the Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Dec 9. The 8YO finished 2nd to Dunaden in the Caulfield Cup before notching his first Grp 1 win in the LKS Mackinnon Stakes 2000m at Flemington on November 3. "He had an easy week after that and then a good hitout at the track yesterday," says Stephens. "We wouldn't be going if we weren't happy with the horse and his condition."
Robert Smerdon has been fined $10,000 for treating one of his gallopers on race day. Racing Victoria stewards handed down the penalty after finding Smerdon guilty of failing to ensure no medication was administered to Shewan on Caulfield Cup day (October 20). Smerdon, who pleaded not guilty, is likely to appeal.