Eziyra wins in good style
Eziyra wins in good style

Dermot Weld expecting big run from Eziyra in Hong Kong Vase


Dermot Weld believes Eziyra can make her presence felt as she lines up in the Longines Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin on December 9.

The four-year-old has had just four starts this year, but finished a fine third behind Sea Of Class in the Yorkshire Oaks before going on to win the Group Two Blandford Stakes at the Curragh in September.

Eziyra was last seen finishing sixth in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at the start of November, and Weld expects her to perform better than her rating of 111 would suggest.

He said: "We are pleased with Eziyra. She has come out of her race in America very well and is all set to run in the Vase.

"She may be one of the lowest rated in the race, but she is a very consistent filly and a very good filly who has won five Group races and is multiple Group One placed. She was beaten by Enable in the Irish Oaks in 2017 and ran an excellent race to be third in the Yorkshire Oaks this year.

"She is adaptable, and I think she will represent us well at the Hong Kong International Races."

Eziyra is set to clash with another Churchill Downs also-ran in the 12-furlong Group One, with the Andre Fabre-trained Waldgeist on course for the race.

Waldgeist was beaten just a length and three-quarters in fourth behind Enable in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, before having to settle for fifth behind the same rival in the Breeders' Cup Turf.

Fabre said: "I was a bit disappointed with him in America, where he ran a bit flat and didn't quicken as usual. But now he has recovered really well, and he will enjoy Sha Tin racecourse and the fast ground."

The trainer is also due to be represented in the Longines Hong Kong Mile by the Godolphin-owned Inns Of Court.

He was beaten just a short head by One Master in the Prix de la Foret on his penultimate start, with that rival also in the mix at Sha Tin.

Inns Of Court was last seen when fourth in a six-furlong Group Three on very soft ground at Maisons-Laffitte.

Fabre added: "He needed a race in between - and remember, he was carrying a penalty last time. He ran all right, considering the ground, and he has already shown he can perform well over a mile in the Marois.

"He should get a good pace to run at in Hong Kong - and while obviously it's a very good race, he is a horse that is very consistent and always run well."


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