Pierre Ng is already well versed in travelling horses and the newcomer to Hong Kong’s training ranks is thriving in Dubai as preparations continue for a new but familiar challenge.
Ng will saddle his first two overseas runners when Duke Wai lines up in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) and Glorious Dragon in the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m) at Meydan, an experience which has come naturally to the trainer after successful campaigns to Japan and Singapore with the quirky but brilliant Aerovelocity.
“Once you have the overseas experience, it helps you a lot in your future career. I haven’t been to Dubai, it’s my first time, it’s a pretty nice place, a big place as well – it’s huge,” Ng said.
Licensed ahead of this season as a trainer in Hong Kong, Ng previously spent time under the tutelage of John Size, Francis Lui and Paul O’Sullivan. Alongside O’Sullivan is where Ng played a pivotal role in the management of Aerovelocity – one of Hong Kong’s finest sprinters who had loads of ability and a fiery attitude to match it.
Ng travelled Aerovelocity to triumphs in the 2015 Group 1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m) in Japan and 2015 Group 1 KrisFlyer International Sprint (1200m) in Singapore.
Level-headed at trackwork each morning at Meydan this week, Ng remains pleased with his horses as they build towards Dubai World Cup night on Saturday, 25 March.
“Duke Wai has settled in well. In the first two days he was a bit curious around his surroundings and after that he was much better,” Ng said.
Duke Wai was an off-season stable transfer from O’Sullivan following the New Zealander’s retirement. A seven-year-old, Duke Wai has remained remarkably consistent this season in Hong Kong with four placings and a last-start victory.
“He’s very honest, he was exceptionally well before the (Hong Kong) International Races. I thought he wasn’t going to run in the International Races, we had to sit and wait for the whole month but suddenly he got a ticket in,” Ng said.
Duke Wai has banked HK$18.4 million with nine wins from 42 starts in Hong Kong. A testament to his durability and consistency, the veteran galloper also boasts 14 placings.
“I’m quite looking forward to seeing him over the straight, because in the straight last time in Hong Kong he was unlucky, just behind Sight Success,” Ng said.
Duke Wai placed a luckless third three starts ago behind Sight Success in the G3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap (1000m). The Per Incanto gelding has three wins over Sha Tin’s straight course and will step away from gate seven on Saturday night.
“There’s speed, we have drawn in the middle which is pretty ideal – we have a few options, not too wide and not too inside. We’ll just go on behind the pace (and sit) around fourth, fifth or sixth position and let’s see how we match up with them over the last 200 metres,” Ng said.
Duke Wai boasts several placings in Hong Kong at Group 2 and Group 3 level.
“He did improve day by day, it’s pretty good weather as well, it’s not too hot and it’s a nice cool breeze – hopefully it won’t get too hot,” Ng said.
Ng also saddles Glorious Dragon in what shapes as a huge task for the grey in the Dubai Turf where he’ll break from gate 13 after initially drawing barrier 15. Do Deuce and Shelir have been withdrawn from the contest.
“He didn’t get an ideal draw, it’s going to be more difficult. We will probably ride him quiet and see how he finishes off. Hopefully the surroundings help him, the new surroundings and the speed – hopefully do that,” Ng said.
Neil Callan will partner Glorious Dragon, while Duke Wai links with Jerry Chau.
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