IMBONGI LOOKS THE PART IN SHA TIN TRACKWORK

Imbongi
(Photo : Hong Kong Jockey Club)

HK$12MILLION HONG KONG MILE (Grade 1)
Sha Tin Racecourse, 1600m, Turf
25 April 2010

Charl Pretorius www.racingweb.co.zaSummerhill Stud’s proud warrior Imbongi seems to know he finished third in the prestigious Group 1 Dubai Duty Free just a few weeks ago. Above is a photo of his trackwork at Sha Tin racecourse in Hong Kong, taken yesterday, in preparation for Sunday’s Group 1 Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin racecourse.

Imbongi finished sixth, beaten 1.75 lengths in the 2009 Champions Mile. Is he a better horse this year than last?

Mike de Kock’s assistant trainer Steven Jell is cautiously hopeful. “He could be a little better as he may be coming into the race a little bit fitter,” he replied. “The 1800m of the Dubai Duty Free may have stretched him a bit as his best trips are probably 1400m or a mile, but he still ran a very good race.”

“Last year’s Champions Mile was run slow and the track was rain affected, and neither of those factors would have suited him. So we’re hopeful he can improve on last year.”

“And one other thing in his favour is that he’s travelled well. He’s not always the best of travellers, but this year he’s been fine.”

Jell also put Dubai World Cup runner-up Lizard’s Desire through his paces. He will face the starter in the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup over 2000m.

Both Imbongi and Lizard’s Desire will be ridden by Christophe Soumillon.