Hong Kong will be represented by two horses in the $5 million Dubai Duty Free
S. (UAE-G1) on March 25 after the connections of RUSSIAN PEARL (Soviet Star)
accepted an invitation from the Dubai Racing Club. The recent Stewards’ Cup
(HK-G1) winner’s participation had been in doubt as late as last weekend, when
it appeared that several higher-rated horses would keep him at home. Some
crucial defections, though, including that of Badge of Silver (Silver Deputy),
opened the door.
“It gives (Hong Kong) a great chance in the race,” Mark Player, manager of
international racing for the Hong Kong Jockey Club told the South China Morning
Post. “I’m sure after the situation we had last year when Nash Rawiller on
Elvstroem (Danehill) stole the race from the front, we’ll see a much more
genuine pace this time, which will suit both the Hong Kong horses.”
Russian Pearl has proved his class over the past year, finishing second to
Vengeance of Rain in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (HK-G1) last April, third to
that foe in the Hong Kong Derby (HK-G1) last March and fourth off an extended
absence in the Hong Kong Cup (HK-G1) in December.
Champion miler Bullish Luck (Royal Academy) will also contest the Duty Free,
the second leg of the Asian Mile Challenge. Both horses are trained by Tony
Cruz.