Trainer John Moore admitted that the “jury’s out” about a Japanese trip with Werther (133lb) after the six-year-old finished sixth in the Lion Rock Trophy at Sha Tin on Sunday, four and a quarter lengths from the winner.
 
“He was further back than what I wanted and he then had serious traffic problems at two critical points,” Moore said. “Beauty Only has kept him in a pocket at the 600m and then again in the straight. Callan has pushed our horse back in behind and under top-weight, he just couldn’t build up momentum. He ran home OK late and he’ll improve for that, but it was an inconclusive run and I’m not quite sure what to think at the moment.”
 
Moore has long targeted the G1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) at Hanshin on 24 June with Werther and says that he will make a decision in the coming week.
 
“He’s booked to fly out to Osaka Tuesday week so we’ll know by next weekend whether we go,” the trainer said. “The initial indications are good physically, the first scope was clean, but it’s just hard to know how he’s going form-wise after today. The jury’s out, but the race in Japan will suit him so it’s a big decision to make.”