Trainer John Size sends out high-profile import Gunnison for his first Hong Kong appearance in the Class 2 Hoi Yuen Handicap (1200m) on the All Weather track at Sha Tin on Wednesday night.
Gunnison (119lb) was unbeaten from two starts as a juvenile in Australia, winning the G2 Todman Stakes (1200m) at Randwick at his most recent start almost a year ago, but Size has been patient since his arrival in May.
“His preparation has been OK, there have not been many complications with the horse – he has good speed and he does everything correctly,” Size said. “He knows his job. He’s a little bit young though and he’s not as strong as some of his competitors, but he’s been here for a while and I’ve given him plenty of time so he may as well go to the races and we can find out where he is.
“It’s very tough for a three-year-old to start in Class 2, but it’s been well-explained to the connections. That’s why I’ve taken my time with him. (Young horses) do find it quite difficult but that’s where we are and we have to start somewhere.”
Size said that the decision to debut Gunnison on dirt came after watching his Todman Stakes victory, which came over a heavy Randwick track, and also from monitoring the Not A Single Doubt gelding since his arrival.
“I think he’s a horse that would appreciate getting his foot in the ground a little bit,” the trainer said. “I think the harder tracks are not something that he’d relish just yet, although next season as a four-year-old he might handle them a little bit better, but from what we saw of him on a wet track in Australia, I think the dirt might help him out a little bit.”
Gunnison is one of two Hong Kong debutants in the night’s feature; the other, the Richard Gibson-trained Great Honour (115lb), was a G3 winner over 1600m at Randwick under the name Acatour. Both Gunnison and Great Honour were trained by Peter and Paul Snowden down under, racing in the green and gold colours of James Harron.
The Hoi Yuen Handicap is the seventh of eight races and is scheduled to jump at 10.20pm, with the opener, the Class 5 Yue Man Handicap (1200m), set for 7.15pm.
Gunnison trials well at Happy Valley last month, picture Hong Kong Jockey Club
