“D-Day” looms for Akeed Mofeed and Gold-Fun. That was the view of the
talented duo’s trainer, Richard Gibson, early on Saturday, the eve of the HK$72
million Hong Kong International Races.
Gibson brought the pair to Sha Tin from Ireland ahead of the 2012-13 Hong
Kong season with aspirations firmly fixed on Derby glory. Akeed Mofeed fulfilled
that dream last March for Gibson in the Hong Kong Derby (at about 1 1/4 miles),
but only after his stablemate had hinted at his own potential two months earlier
with a smart success in the first big test for four-year-olds, the Hong Kong
Classic Mile.
Akeed Mofeed, fourth in Camelot’s Irish Derby at three, was a high-profile
and apparently expensive purchase for Pan Sutong. The Dubawi colt grabbed the
headlines upon his arrival in Hong Kong, but the same owner’s Gold-Fun initially
flew under the radar, being at the time a maiden-winning gelding by the low-key
and recently deceased stallion Le Vie Dei Colori.
“They’re the type of horses we ideally buy — there’s plenty of potential
left in them,” said Gibson, who is excited to have Akeed Mofeed line up against
11 top-class rivals in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup.
“If you see him in the morning he’s looking every bit of his million
dollars,” said the trainer of his charge, who blitzed home from the tail to run
a narrow second in his prep, the Jockey Club Cup over the course and distance on
November 17.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge again of running against some of the
best horses in the world over this trip at the moment. He’s got to bring his
A-game,” he added.
Akeed Mofeed’s only previous test in all-age company at the highest level
came in last April’s QE II Cup at about 1 1/4 miles at Sha Tin and on that
occasion the powerful bay was found wanting in fifth behind the re-opposing
Military Attack. It remains to be seen whether he has improved enough since then
to turn the tables.
“That’s the X-factor question, which no one knows, and we’ll see it all in
harsh reality on D-Day,” Gibson said. “I’ve never hidden the fact that I’ve
thought the horse belongs in this division so I guess 24 hours out it’s all
about executing plans.”
Gold-Fun heads into the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile off a perfect lead-up with
three wins from as many starts this season, including a cheeky short-head
success last time in the Jockey Club Mile at Sha Tin. Like his stablemate, the
gelding’s only previous Group 1 all-age test came last spring, when he was fifth
in the Champions Mile behind Dan Excel — the evidence suggests he has improved
since then.
“My job is to get Akeed Mofeed and Gold-Fun ready and I’m really satisfied
with the work of the team to get these horses ready for D-Day,” said Gibson.
“Tomorrow’s the day and it’s all about delivering on the day. It’s going to be
the biggest test for our stable since we’ve been in Hong Kong and we’re looking
forward to the challenge.”
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