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Son of Medaglia d’Oro chases third Group 1 win in Hong Kong Gold Cup
Golden Sixty (Medaglia d’Oro) will chase his third elite-level win and 13th consecutive victory when he lines up in the Hong Kong Gold Cup (Gr 1, 2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
The Francis Lai-trained son of Medaglia d’Oro (El Prado) will be having his first start over 2000 metres since his victory in the 2020 Hong Kong Derby (Listed, 2000m) and regular rider Vincent Ho believes the gelding is on target for the Group 1.
Dismissing suggestions of building pressure, Ho retains a measured confidence the gelding can again perform at elite levels against select opposition, headed by reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year, Exultant (Teofilo), who landed the Group 1 in 2019.
“He’s feeling well and we’re confident,” Ho said.
“A mile and 2000 metres, I don’t think there’s a problem,” Ho said. “He can still sprint home over the last 400 metres in the same time.”
Having ridden Exultant in three races in 2018, Ho is respectful of the Tony Cruz-trained gelding.
“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,” Ho said.
“He’s (Exultant) one of the best stayers. He can maintain a high speed for 2000 metres, 2400 metres, so it’s (stamina) not a problem for him.
“He is a totally different horse to Golden Sixty. It’s going to be fun.”