Akeed Mofeed defies top weight in Centenary Vase

Last updated: 2/2/14 4:33 PM

Akeed Mofeed is under consideration for the Dubai World Cup or Duty Free
(Hong Kong Jockey Club)

Top weight could not anchor the highflying Akeed Mofeed in Sunday’s Group 3
Centenary Vase at Sha Tin, as Hong Kong’s current pre-eminent performer
triumphed in his warm-up for the Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup in three weeks’
time.

Making his first appearance since winning the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup December
8, the Dubawi entire made light of 133 pounds in the about 1 1/8-mile contest as
he saw off his nine lesser-weighted rivals in a classy display of his ability.

After settling seventh under Douglas Whyte, last year’s Hong Kong Derby
winner made strong headway into the homestretch. A shake of the reins 350 meters
out brought a sharp turn of foot that soon took the five-year-old to a decisive
lead. Although the John Moore-trained Ashkiyr launched a late assault under his
light impost of 113 pounds, Akeed Mofeed’s class was sufficient to repel Mirco
Demuro’s mount and score by a neck.

In a strong renewal of the Centenary Vase, the Moore-trained Same World (120
pounds) was third, a further three-quarters of a length behind the runner-up,
while fourth place went to that gelding’s stablemate Dan Excel (131 pounds),
second in the Group 1 Stewards’ Cup last start.

Akeed Mofeed clocked a fast 1:46 4/5 on the good turf course.

“We knew we were the best horse in the race; it was just a question of if
he’d had enough work,” Gibson said. “He’s a wonderful athlete, so of course he
responded brilliantly and he was very impressive.

“I’m very pleased we gave the horse a race today, it was a good workout,
which he needed. I think the horse can improve for the big race in three weeks’
time,” Gibson continued.

Akeed Mofeed still has on his possible agenda a trip for the Dubai World Cup
Meeting on March 29, for which he holds entries in both the World Cup and the
Dubai Duty Free.

“We’re taking it one race at a time,” Gibson said. “The Gold Cup is the
number one objective, so after the Gold Cup we’ll make a decision about Dubai.”

The Hong Kong Gold Cup on February 23 is the second leg of the Hong Kong
Triple Crown Series, which concludes on May 25 with the Group 1 Champions &
Chater Cup. The first leg, the Stewards’ Cup, was won by Blazing Speed.

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