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Sam Clipperton to team up with Robin Of Navan as he chases Hong Kong Cup prize

3 minute read

Australian jockey Sam Clipperton has been booked to ride Robin Of Navan in the Longines Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Robin Of Navan
Robin Of Navan Picture: HKJC

Trainer Harry Dunlop's wife Christina, who is supervising the four-year-old's preparation, gave the reasons behind the decision to opt for Hong Kong-based Clipperton.

"When we've taken Robin Of Navan abroad, we've looked to local riders and it has tended to pay off, especially with the post positions to consider," she said.

"Harry's brother Ed has won three HKIR races (Ouija Board, Snow Fairy and Red Cadeaux), and we've had lots of helpful advice from him and Robin Trevor-Jones who always accompanied Ed's horses to Hong Kong.

"As to his condition, Robin Of Navan is eating and drinking well and is nearly back to his optimum weight."

The four-year-old enjoyed light exercise and a five-furlong canter on the all-weather track on Tuesday morning.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien's travelling head lad Pat Keating reports the Ballydoyle team to be in good heart as Cup hopeful Deauville followed Vase contender Highland Reel in a lap of the all-weather track.

Highland Reel is in familiar surroundings, having won the Vase in 2015 and second in 2016.

"He knows he's back here in Hong Kong, and he likes this place," said Keating.

"Davy (Bergin, work rider) is happy with him."

Melbourne Cup third Max Dynamite worked strongly in a gallop on the turf course to show he has taken his run in Australia well.

Trainer Willie Mullins' assistant David Casey said: "He's well, he's in good form and there's no problem with how he's taken the trip. I was pleased with his work this morning."

Mullins' only concern in the step back in distance.

Speaking from Ireland, he said: "The drop back in distance is not ideal, but it is what we have to do and he had some good form over shorter distances back in his younger days."

Godolphin's Talismanic had Highland Reel in third place when winning the Breeders' Cup Turf and is said to be ready to go again despite the quite quick turnaround.

Lisa-Jane Graffard, racing manager for Godolphin France, said: "Everything has been good with Talismanic since the Breeders' Cup. He has been kept ticking over and is in good form. He travelled back well from the USA and has travelled out nicely to Hong Kong."

David Simcock's Hong Kong Mile runner Lightning Spear had a trot round the quarantine stables sand ring as he settles in at Sha Tin.

Speaking from home, Simcock said: "Lightning Spear travelled over great and took the journey very well. His work has been good since he arrived in Hong Kong.

"Somewhere in the middle on either side of good is perfect (ground) for him. When he is having a good day, he is a very talented horse."


At The Races

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