Chasing his first elite success in the United Arab Emirates, John Size believes Sight Success is reaping the benefits of previously travelling to Dubai as the gelding prepares to tackle the HK$11.7 million Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) at Meydan Racecourse tonight (30 March).
The 12-time Hong Kong champion trainer is satisfied with the way Sight Success has adapted to Meydan as he attempts to better his fourth in the 2023 Al Quoz Sprint behind Danyah, who also entered again this weekend.
"He (Sight Success) has done well, probably a little bit better than the last time he was here. He's a bit older, I suppose, and more relaxed," Size said. "He (Sight Success) is not unsettled. He sort of settled in straight away. I think it makes a difference being here a second time for him."
To be ridden by Ryan Moore, Sight Success will start from barrier 12 in a field which also features Tony Cruz-trained California Spangle, who has drawn barrier five for Brenton Avdulla.
"He (Sight Success) is in very good condition. I'm happy with him and the draw - it will depend on race day how the track is playing, but I'm okay with that. At least, he gets a shot at going wherever he wants to go.
"It's an interesting race, it's an international field so obviously they can all run - it's hot competition, so it depends on who's doing well on the day. They're all good horses."
Apart from California Spangle, Sight Success faces three other Group 1 winners – Emaraaty Ana, King Gold and Danyah – while there is palpable confidence surrounding Charlie Appleby's three-year-old filly Star Of Mystery, who will be ridden by Frankie Dettori.
"Star Of Mystery has thrived since she's been out here (in Dubai)," Appleby said. "There is no-one with as much experience around Meydan on World Cup night than Frankie. His Godolphin history is far longer and better than mine."
Frost At Dawn, who is trained by William Knight, is entered for the HK$22 million G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin on 28 April.
BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and G1 Stewards' Cup (1600m) winner Voyage Bubble and Straight Arron will contest the HK$39 million G1 Dubai Turf (1800m).
Ricky Yiu's Voyage Bubble will jump from barrier one for Frenchman Mickael Barzalona, while Straight Arron jumps away from gate 12 in the 16-horse field.
Measured Time, Facteur Cheval and Matenro Sky have been entered for the HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m), while San Donato has been entered for HK$22 million FWD Champions Mile at Sha Tin on 28 April.
"Hong Kong is somewhere I've yet to conquer, that's one of the thoughts behind it," Appleby said of Measured Time's entry for Sha Tin. "I'm keen to have the right horse to go over there and win some races.
"Measured Time, I feel, is building a profile that looks to be going the right way to be competitive there. Saturday (the Dubai Turf) will be a big question for him but if we're a first three finish on Saturday, the Queen Elizabeth would be a race we would consider."
The 2024 Al Quoz Sprint will be run at 9.15pm (Hong Kong time) on Saturday night, with the G1 Dubai Turf to be run at 11.10pm (Hong Kong time).
