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Skalleti has a strong chance in the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin.
Skalleti boasts some of the strongest middle-distance form in Europe and could be the dark horse in the HK$28 million LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on Sunday 13 December.
Trainer Jerome Reynier has demonstrated patience and perseverance whilst training the son of Kendargent, slowly bringing Skaletti through the levels throughout his three and four-year-old season. Despite Skaletti winning four Black Type races in 2019, Reynier waited until the Champion Stakes (2000m) at Ascot (UK) before unleashing his stable star at Group One level in October 2020. He travelled strongly throughout the race and finished second behind the William Haggas-trained Addeybb.
Despite suffering defeat in his only Group One attempt, Skaletti has beaten some of the best horses in Europe during his 2020 campaign. In the G1 Champion Stakes (2000m), LONGINES Hong Kong Cup favourite Magical could only manage third with G1 Derby hero Serpentine (2400m) and G1 Prix du Jockey Club (2100m) winner Mishriff further down the field. Skaletti's victory in the G3 Prix Gontaut-Biron Hong Kong Jockey Club (2000m) at Deauville saw him defeat subsequent G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (2400m) victor Sottsass on heavy ground and was only beaten two lengths by Persian King over an inadequate trip in the G2 Prix du Muguet (1600m) at the start of the season.
The defeat of Magical in the G1 Champion Stakes (2000m) inspires optimism in the Skaletti team. "On Sunday he needs to show he is up to that same level in very different circumstances, around two turns and on good ground and against opposition which is very used to such a set up. I am quite confident and he's a horse that never disappoints," Reynier said. The result of Thursday's draw ceremony (4) has not affected the trainer's confidence, "I did not want to draw a number too inward with Skalletti for fear of being trapped. The fact that Magical draws one will benefit us".
The success of Skaletti's first long-haul adventure has been bolstered by the presence of his stable-mate, experienced globetrotter and inaugural winner of the Bahrain International Trophy, Royal Julius who runs in the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m). With increased travel times and regulations due to COVID-19, Reynier believes the support is beneficial, "Royal Julius has always travelled but Skalletti has less experience. I'm glad he has a travel buddy to set an example for him". The two horses have been hacked around the sand track and will not been seen on the turf until Sunday with Reynier remarking, "They are both ready and we won't be reinventing the wheel this week".
