Veteran Hong Kong trainer John Size is set to take another shot at an overseas victory, as he prepares Howdeepisyourlove for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) at Meydan on April 5. Despite an illustrious career that includes a record 12 Hong Kong trainers’ championships, international success has remained elusive for Size. His previous attempts abroad include multiple runners in Japan and the United Arab Emirates, with his best result being Armada’s runner-up finish in the 2008 G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) in Tokyo.
Howdeepisyourlove has been knocking on the door of Group 1 success, finishing third in both the Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) in January and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) in February behind Ka Ying Rising. Drawn in barrier nine among an 11-horse field, the Deep Field gelding will be ridden by James McDonald, as Size aims to claim his first major overseas title. Confident about his charge’s chances, Size believes the horse is in prime condition and has adjusted well to the conditions in Dubai.
A late-running style suits Howdeepisyourlove, and the trainer expects him to find his rhythm before delivering a strong finishing kick. Having traveled comfortably and acclimatized well to the Meydan climate, the gelding appears ready for the challenge ahead. Size remains optimistic that everything will come together on race day to finally secure an overseas triumph.
This will not be Size’s first attempt at the Al Quoz Sprint, having previously saddled Amazing Kids, who finished sixth in 2017, and Sight Success, who managed fourth in 2023 and fifth in 2024. California Spangle, who won last year’s edition while setting a track record over 1200m, adds context to the level of competition this race demands.
Meanwhile, Romantic Warrior, another Hong Kong contender, has been preparing for his Dubai Turf (1800m) bid by working over the Meydan dirt track. With a formidable record that includes 18 wins from 24 starts, he seeks to add to his tally while aiming for an unprecedented 11th Group 1 title for Hong Kong. Having set a track record in the Jebel Hatta (1800m) earlier this year, he enters the race in peak form.
Another Hong Kong-based runner, Sword Point, will contest the G2 Godolphin Mile (1600m, dirt) from barrier two, also under the guidance of McDonald. As the Dubai World Cup meeting unfolds, the event’s start time has been pushed back an hour due to hot conditions, with Sword Point’s race set for 9:45 pm HKT, Howdeepisyourlove at 10:20 pm HKT, and Romantic Warrior at 12:15 am HKT on April 6.
