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Able Friend, Criterion, Spielberg hope to star at Royal Ascot
"In Hong Kong, Able Friend has such a big following that he is really 'Hong Kong's Horse'. I hope he can do everyone proud." While the Australian challengers are usually in sprints, Criterion is set to take in the 10-furlong Prince of Wales's. Owned by Sir Owen Glenn, the five-year-old New Zealand-bred is a three-time Group 1 winner in Australia and was last seen out when third in the QE II Cup (HK-G1) at Sha Tin April 26. "Sir Owen Glenn said if we had the right horse we should go to Royal Ascot," trainer David Hayes said. "After watching Australian horses do so well in the sprints, I've always thought that if I had a horse that was good enough it would be great to take the English on at their own game with middle-distance horses. "The Prince of Wales's S. is going to be a very hard task, with a tough international field. But all I can say is Criterion is very healthy and I have been very happy with his work. "The horse had a look around Ascot last Tuesday. I was pleased with him and young Chad Schofield who rode him said he handled the undulations very well. "It is going to be a tough race but I think Ascot will suit him. To win a race at Royal Ascot would be as good as anything. My father (Colin Hayes) was a huge fan of English racing and I am too. "I am confident he can be competitive. I hope the weather forecast is wrong as he prefers some cut in the ground. Chad Schofield will take the ride. He is a champion young rider from Australia who has been riding in the U.K. I think he is a world-class rider and he has been a great help with Criterion during his time in the U.K." A Japanese-trained horse has yet to win at Royal Ascot, with Agnes World coming closest when runner-up in the 2000 King's Stand S. (Eng-G2). One trainer attempting to change that statistic is Spielberg. The six-year-old is a Group 1 winner in Japan and was also third in the Japan Cup (Jpn-G1). He warmed up for Royal Ascot by finishing fourth in a Group 2 contest over 10 furlongs at Hanshin on April 5. Nobutaka Tada, racing manager for owner Hidetoshi Yamamoto, said: "I am so excited about Royal Ascot next week. Just being here in England is very exciting. "The Prince of Wales's S. is going to be a very, very competitive field, with Criterion and the best European horses lining up. "Spielberg is hasn't shown us limitations. We don't know how good he is yet. He could be much better than we expected. "Royal Ascot is very special to the Japanese. We have a Royal family like in the U.K. so it is very similar. "Christophe Soumillon will take the ride. He approached us about the ride after the Japan Cup and we are happy as he is a great jockey. "He was fourth in his prep race in April and we were very happy with him. It took 36 hours to reach England via Amsterdam but the horse really likes it here and is very happy." Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com
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