Military Attack is a Hong Kong stalwart, a one-time Horse of the Year with a pair of major Group 1 wins and a hatful of other top-class performances to his name.
However on Sunday the eight-year-old will step into the unknown, a first tilt at a mile and a half in the HK$10 million G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup.
Caspar Fownes’ charge has made his name as a 2000m specialist, his standout wins being the G1 APQEII Cup and G1 Singapore Airlines International Cup at the distance back in 2013. And although his best days are likely behind him, the game bay showed once again that he is not yet a back number when finishing a solid second to Werther in this year’s APQEII Cup, belying odds of 70/1.
“His run last start was enormous,” said Fownes. “He’s got his problems and he’ll be looking forward to a nice summer break, but we did a little bit of work with him on Tuesday and he worked really well - I’m very happy with him. His fitness is good.”
Tuesday’s work, in company with dirt star Gun Pit, saw Military Attack gallop 800m in 51.3s (27.3, 24.0).
As for a first step beyond 2000m at what will be the gelding’s 43rd career start, Fownes has little concern.
“I don’t think the distance will be an issue,” he said. “He’s there to run first three or four. It’s the usual suspects - Werther’s been ultra-impressive and you then have us, Designs On Rome and Blazing Speed. That’s the four, with Werther at the head of them.”
Rain fell at Sha Tin Friday morning and with a wet day forecast for Saturday and further rain possible early on Sunday, likely race favourite Werther should be in his element. Fownes, however, does not fear the prospect of a wet track. He said: “Any rain would be nice, that wouldn’t hurt.”
Military Attack’s former handler, John Moore, is responsible for four of the eight-runner field with Designs On Rome, Victory Magic and Helene Happy Star slated to join Werther. The Paul O’Sullivan-trained Giovanni Canaletto is also in the high-class line-up for the third leg of Hong Kong’s Triple Crown, along with the Richard Gibson-trained Ambitious Champion.
