GOLDEN SIXTY AND THAT CAT AND MOUSE GAME

By Darren Winningham | Saturday, December 10, 2022

The cat and the mouse game will be played out on the track on Sunday in the HK$30 million LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (Group 1).

I am certain that the mouse title goes to California Spangle, trained by Tony Cruz and to be ridden by champion Hong Kong rider Zac Purton.

The cat that will be stalking him throughout the race is the ruling Hong Kong champion Golden Sixty, trained by Francis Lui and ridden by Vincent ho.

Last time they clashed Purton adopted tactics controlling the race up front and deliberately trying to slow the tempo of the race to put Golden Sixty off his game.

I spoke to both riders at the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races barrier draw on Thursday morning. What was apparent was that they both have huge respect for each other and their horses.

“Golden Sixty is a phenomenal athlete, I have tried many times to beat him,” said Purton. “I have beat him once, at least I have got that on my resume. He just runs home in such a quick time. If you go too fast, he storms home over the top of you, if you go too slow, he outsprints you. The only thing that beats him is probably bad luck”, Purton said.

I asked Vincent Ho what he thought Purton may do to upset the Hong Kong champion. Ho said, “I think he will do everything so he can to win. I will just deal with it. I have confidence with my champ (Golden Sixty). There are other horses, Japanese in the race, everyone is our competitor, I am looking forward to it”.

“Golden Sixty is fitter than last time and he felt great at track work, and he is even better mentally”, Ho said.

Finally, Ho said he is humbled with his association with Golden Sixty.

“He means the world to me for my career, it could be the highlight of my career. He is a once in a lifetime horse for me and the team and Francis – we cherish this horse a lot”.

Soon after speaking to these two combatants the barrier draw was conducted.

Trainer of Golden Sixty Francis Lui had his hopes set on a barrier from four to seven for his champion Golden Sixty and he got his wish, with the reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year to jump from barrier four in his bid for a record-equalling third straight Hong Kong Mile on Sunday.

“I got what I wanted. He can sit midfield and stay out of trouble,” Lui said, adding ... “Golden Sixty is ready”.

The stage is now set for Sunday – the cat will be stalking the mouse.

Will the cat claim his prize on Sunday?

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