(Misnomer) for leisurely spins over Sha Tin’s turf on Monday in preparation for
Sunday’s international races.
Both were credited with six-furlong jaunts. Designed For Luck was timed in an
unhurried 1:21 4/5 and Willow O Wisp in 1:22 4/5, each striding out the last
quarter-mile in :26 1/5.
The eight-year-old Designed For Luck will challenge in the Hong Kong Mile
(HK-G1). Sidelined for more than 16 months after capturing last year’s Shoemaker
Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1), he finished an excellent second in his comeback effort,
the October 8 Oak Tree Mile (G2), beaten 1 1/2 lengths by 2004 Breeders’ Cup
Mile (G1) hero Singletary (Sultry Song).
Willow O Wisp will be tackling two new challenges in the Hong Kong Cup
(HK-G1) — facing older horses and attempting 1 1/4 miles. The multiple Grade 2 winner has not raced since his triumph in the Del Mar
Derby (G2) on Labor Day.
Also limbering up was Hong Kong Sprint (HK-G1) contender Nicole’s Dream
(Northern Trend), who took light exercise on the all-weather track for trainer
Larry Rivelli.