白德民同靳能爭騎「爆冷」出戰國際賽
A public relations campaign to "jock off" Mick Kinane from Viva Pataca and replace him with Darren Beadman began at Sha Tin yesterday afternoon while the Australian horseman was still on board the sparkling Cathay Pacific Cup Trial hero.
Kinane has been widely expected to take the ride on Viva Pataca at the Jockey Club's "turf world championships" on December 9, having won three Group One races on the former British racer over the past two seasons.
But what's not clear is whether Kinane has simply made himself available - which he publicly did after the Champions & Chater Cup on June 3 - or whether owner Stanley Ho Hung-sun has actually made a commitment to the Irish champion.
Beadman was flawless in his execution of John Moore's game plan on Viva Pataca in yesterday's Group Two Cup Trial, winning the race at the Cup distance of 2000m by a length from the promising Packing Winner (Douglas Whyte).
As he returned to scale to an approving smile from Ho - one of Asia's wealthiest men - Beadman turned to Moore and said: "There is just one thing I want you to ask Dr Ho, can I please stay on him for the big race." :eee:
Beadman had no embarrassment last night admitting his bid to cut Kinane's grass, reflecting modestly on his 15-win haul since starting his contract with Moore on October 1 as well as the intense work he's put into Viva Pataca to get him ready for his autumn targets.
"He is just a machine," Beadman began. "I never had a worry from the moment the gates opened. He settled exactly where I wanted and quickened up the moment I wanted. :ccccc:
"To me, the exciting part of the win is knowing how much improvement there is still to come. John's had him as fit as he could be for this run, but he's going to come on enormously for it."
Beadman has ridden many champion horses at home in Australia, most notably Octagonal, Saintly and Lonhro, but assured anyone who would listen that Viva Pataca is right up there with the best that he's handled.
"He is clearly the best horse in Hong Kong and one of the best in the world," Beadman continued. "I would love to be riding him on international day and I want Dr Ho to know that I am here and I am available.":gggg:
Courtesy of scmp.com
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