Golden Sixty (Medaglia d’Oro) is primed to reproduce his best as he bids for a 13th consecutive victory and third Group One win on Sunday.
He will return to 2000m for the first time since the 2020 Hong Kong Derby in the Gr.1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin this weekend.
Dismissing suggestions of building pressure, jockey Vincent Ho retains a measured confidence Golden Sixty can again perform at elite level.
“He’s feeling well and we’re confident,” Ho said.
Questioned about the star miler’s rise to 2000m for the first time in almost a year, Ho acknowledged Exultant’s presence, but remains steadfast in his belief Golden Sixty will still reel off phenomenal late sectionals.
“A mile and 2000m, I don’t think there’s a problem,” Ho said. “He can still sprint home over the last 400m in the same time.”
Having ridden Exultant in three races in 2018, Ho is respectful of Tony Cruz’s warhorse.
“Definitely, he’s the Horse of the Year and he’s one of the best stayers in Hong Kong so, for sure, this race is a good challenge but I’m still pretty confident with Golden Sixty,” he said.
“He’s (Exultant) one of the best stayers. He can maintain a high speed for 2000m, 2400m, so it’s (stamina) not a problem for him.
“He is a totally different horse to Golden Sixty. It’s going to be fun.”
