John Size will gain a clearer indication of Sky Jewellery’s prospects for December’s LONGINES Hong Kong International Races after the five-year-old contests the HK$4.2 million G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, November 8. The Sky Jewellery Purse run will help the trainer assess whether the horse will target the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup or Hong Kong Mile.
Sky Jewellery will hold entries in both the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) and the HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), scheduled for December 13. His performance on Sunday will help Size determine which race will suit him best.
The lightly raced five-year-old will arrive with six wins from 10 career starts, having never finished outside the top four. His victories will have come over 1200m, 1400m and 1600m, while Sunday’s contest will provide his first opportunity over 1800m.
Sky Jewellery Purse Run to Test Distance Ability
Sky Jewellery will begin his season with a Class 2 victory over 1400m under James Orman before finishing two lengths behind the winner in the G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m). Size will remain satisfied with that performance and will expect further improvement.
The trainer will also be encouraged by the horse’s temperament and ability to settle during a race. Sky Jewellery will start from gate 12, carry 124lb and partner Andrea Atzeni. The 1800m assignment will provide an opportunity to assess his stamina ahead of December’s international meeting.
Size will also saddle Ensued, who will carry 119lb from gate three under Keith Yeung. The six-year-old will aim to recapture his earlier form after finishing last of 13 runners in a Class 2 1600m contest on October 25.
Ensued’s previous major success will remain his victory in the 2024 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse, which will also stand as his most recent win. Sunday’s appearance will mark his 17th start since that achievement.
Size will use the race to assess whether Ensued will regain his competitive form and motivation.
The 13-runner field will also include Beauty Joy, Numbers, Massive Sovereign, Soleil Fighter, Speed Dragon, Gentlemen Legacy, Le Zonda, Silvery Breeze, Romantic Thor, Californiatotality and Stunning Peach.
The HK$4.2 million G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap will headline Sunday’s meeting at Sha Tin, with the feature race scheduled for 4.05pm. Admission will begin at 10.30am, while the Class 5 L’Oreal Paris Handicap (1800m) will open the 11-race programme at 12.30pm.
Sky Jewellery will face an important 1800m test in the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse as John Size assesses his options for the December LONGINES Hong Kong International Races.
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