Vision d'Etat's Hong Kong Cup bid in jeopardy

Last updated: 12/12/09 2:30 PM

Vision d’Etat, shown galloping Friday, suffered a setback that kept him off the track Saturday
(Hong Kong Jockey Club)

Multiple French Group 1 star VISION D’ETAT (Chichicastenango), the
highest-rated entrant in Sunday’s Hong Kong Cup (HK-G1), came up with
slight swelling to his right hind fetlock Saturday morning, threatening
his participation in the $2.6 million contest at Sha Tin.

“He was lame this morning behind,” trainer Eric Libaud said. “It’s a
skin infection — X-rays show that it is nothing else. The Jockey Club’s
vets have checked him, and they will continue to monitor the situation
very closely between now and raceday.

“It’s bad timing because it’s nothing really that serious at all —
in a day or two, he’ll be fine, so let’s hope it clears up quickly.”

Vision d’Etat was due to appear on the track for a regulation canter,
but after his setback, was confined to the quarantine area.

According to a Saturday statement issued by Kim Kelly, the Hong Kong Jockey
Club’s chief stipendiary steward, the Club’s Department of Veterinary Regulation
and International Liaison reported that “at this time the horse is suitable to
race.”

Kelly added that Vision d’Etat would undergo another veterinary examination
Sunday morning, “at which time a final determination will be made as to the
horse’s suitability to compete” in the Cup.

Cirrus des Aigles will try to become the first three-year-old male to win the Vase
(Hong Kong Jockey Club)

The news was more upbeat for another French invader, CIRRUS DES AIGLES (Even
Top [Ire]), who will line up in Sunday’s Hong Kong Vase (HK-G1). Trainer Corine
Barande-Barbe was pleased with his canter on Saturday.

“The draw in 10 is a bit of concern, but I am confident that his rider,
Franck Blondel, will sort it out,” Barande-Barbe said. “He could lead, but we’ll
see how it develops because they will probably go quicker here than at home in
France.”

Australia’s three Hong Kong Sprint (HK-G1) contenders ALL SILENT (Belong to
Me), APACHE CAT (Lion Cavern) and SCENIC BLAST (Scenic [Ire]) — who are among
the leading fancies for the race — all looked a picture of health as they had
easy workouts on the all-weather Saturday morning.

The appearance of all three, especially All Silent, was a talking point among
most track watchers.

“He’s bouncing — he’s that well. I just hope he doesn’t bounce the rider
off,” trainer Grahame Begg said as he watched All Silent complete his work. “He
does look so well you’d think he’s ready to go. Yes, the gate’s an issue in 14
but that’s out of our hands.”

Paul Radford, co-owner of Apache Cat, commented on his white-faced champion.

“The old boy looks great,” Radford said. “He’s had a really good preparation
this year, and now it’s up to (jockey) Damien Oliver. I have to say I am worried
about All Silent, who is the one to beat if he has any luck from the barrier.”

The trainers of two European Sprint hopefuls also offered observations.

After being informed that WAR ARTIST (Orpen) was the fastest turf worker on
Friday, trainer James Eustace said, “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Robin Bastiman, the trainer of Sprint contender BORDERLESCOTT (Compton
Place), is hopeful of a good effort in a deep field.

“Very pleased with him. He certainly looks better than I feel. It’s a tough
race, but we’re in with a shout.”