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Tastiera will attempt to become Japan’s seventh winner of the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) since 1999 at Sha Tin on Sunday (8 December) when the accomplished stayer tackles Romantic Warrior.

One of nine of top Japanese contenders to face strong Hong Kong and overseas challenges in the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR), Tastiera has settled in well at Sha Tin.

Bred by Northern Farm in Hokkaido, Tastiera  is a son of Satono Crown out of Manhattan Cafe mare Partitura.  He debuted in a 1800m newcomer race at Tokyo in November 2022 and justified his favoritism for a decisive three and a half length win under Ryan Moore.

Justifying Moore's prediction after his stunning debut - "He will be able to handle up to 2000m. I think he has lots of potential and expectations for him are very high for him" - the Noriyuki Hori-trained colt claimed his first group race success in the G2 Hochi Hai Yayoi Sho Deep Impact Kinen (2000m) in March 2023 before finishing second in the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) to Sol Oriens. 

Tastiera turned the tables in the G1 Japanese Derby, holding off the Satsuki Sho winner by a neck and conquered the second leg of the Triple Crown with another new partner Damian Lane, who said: "It's a very special, great feeling especially for Hori Stables and Carrot Farm with whom I've had success with. It was definitely the position (today), and credit to the horse - he's so versatile, he could jump quick, put himself in a good position and relax. It's just a great sense of achievement."

Tastiera was sent to the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger), the third leg of the Triple Crown over 3000m without a preparation race. Under Joao Moreira, another new partner, Tastiera produced the late burst again to clock the second-fastest time for the last the 600m but was unable to threaten the winner.

However, he struggled to show his forms in the subsequent three starts, having a two-digit finish for the first time in his career when he ran the G1 Osaka Hai (2000m) as his seasonal bow in March. After finishing seventh in the G1 Tenno Sho Spring (3200m), connections decided to give him a layoff during the summer to target the G1 Tenno Sho Autumn.

"Having not been returned his form since spring, we have decided not to send him to the Takarazuka Kinen but to give him a long break.  I think he has been coming in fresh after a much needed break and in a very good shape both mentally and physically. The 2000m trip should be very suitable for him," trainer Hori said.

In the Tenno Sho Autumn, Tastiera settled at a good spot, passed the front runners over the last 300m and secured the runner-up seat to Do Deuce.

The owner Carrot Farm Co., Ltd, said: "With the choice between the Japan Cup and the Hong Kong Cup, we decided on this (Hong Kong Cup) choice based on suitability, opponents, and the desire to give him meaningful experience that will help him in the future."

Hori has sent a number of horses to Hong Kong International Races in the past and his name has become synonymous with success in Hong Kong with five G1 wins. While those three came from Maurice in 2015 and 2016, he also won the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) with Satono Crown in 2016 and the G1 QEII Cup (2000m) with Neorealism in 2017. Hori will send two horses to this year's Hong Kong International Races - Tastiera and the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) contender Satono Reve. Jockey Damian Lane has been booked to ride Tastiera and the pair is looking for the second Group 1 triumph on Sunday.

"Although he was tired right after the Tenno Sho, especially in the hindquarters, he is recovering well. He has good appetite and seems to be in good shape. It didn't take long f

or him to resume canter training, and he remains a work in progress," said Carrot Farm.

As for the training plan in Hong Kong, the owner said: "Because of the two-time environment changes for the departure quarantine and the trip to Hong Kong, the horse's condition is being carefully monitored and training plans are being made sometimes with jockey depending on his physical condition and feeling. Above all, this is the horse's first overseas trip, so we have to look after him more carefully than usual. We have been informed that he has done almost what he needs to in prior to his trip to Hong Kong, so he won't be asked too much this week, just keep his balance both mentally and physically.

"Romantic Warrior  will be the biggest rival and Japan's Liberty Island should not be underestimated.  It will be a tough compete and we would like to make a challenge against them with respect."