There is much to look forward to in the 4yo Champs this year.
The first race in the series, the Classic Mile, went to the very talented son of Toronado Helios Express who is trained by John Size and was given a fine ride by Hugh Bowman. Helene Feeling was never far away and took the second place with Star Mac 45/1 a shock third.
Beauty Secret was his own worst enemy and gave jockey Andrea Atzeni a torrid time and when he eventually stopped pulling and throwing his head around it was too late.
The Centenary Vase G3 could be called an upset but Nimble Nimbus was due to win one sometime soon and "soon" came on Sunday.
He won the G3 by a head from 5 G Patch with Straight Arron third and La City Blanche fourth. Favourite Happy Together got boxed in on the fence and was blocked a couple of times trying to get out for a run and by the time that run came the horse was unable to produce a finish.
The get-out Azalea Handicap went to the John Size trained Bundle of Charm 17/1 ridden by Alexis Badel and not to the favourite Gummy Gummy who was supposed to win this on his return to the AWT. Third went to Wonder Kit on 11/1 with Magniac fourth.
News from Hong Kong is that they are thinking of running Romantic Warrior in the Yasuda Kinen in Japan in early June. It is over 1600m but with Fuchu's uphill finish it needs a horse that can run a strong 1800m and RW fits that bill.
