Caspar Fownes is looking for a fourth consecutive win in Sunday’s HK$3.7 million Gr.3 Premier Plate Handicap (1800m) when Columbus County (NZ) (Redwood) takes his place in the traditional end-of-season showdown for middle-distance gallopers at Sha Tin.
A two-time winner in Hong Kong, the Redwood gelding finished a close-up fourth in this race last year, closing hard as favourite under Joao Moreira to miss by just under two lengths.
“He’s quite a consistent horse and I think he’s got one more nice race left in him for this season,” Fownes said. “He’s run well over shorter trips, he ran well first-up over the mile this season – beaten by just under a length.”
Columbus County has been competitive at Group One level with two placings at the top-level in the past, although, this weekend he’s after a first win since October, 2020.
“He’s going good, obviously dropping back in distance is not ideal but I’ve kept him as fresh as I could and he’s also getting a half decent weight which gives him his chance.
“Hopefully the speed is on and if a genuine tempo is set, then it’ll play into our hands over the last 200 metres,” Fownes said.
Vincent Ho is engaged to ride Columbus County after partnering the 108-rater in a dirt trial at Sha Tin last Friday (10 June), crossing the line at the rear of the field in 1m 12.29s.
“He’s won (HK$) 13 million in stakes money, he’s been an honest horse for the stable and he deserves a win. He gets close in some nice races but like anything we want to get a winning photo with the owner,” Fownes said.
The New Zealand-bred logged a career-high when second to Panfield in last season’s Gr.1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) at Sha Tin.
“He’s a great 2400 metre horse, I’m still thinking about sticking a pair of blinkers on him or not for this race. I’ll think that over and make a decision but he’s honest, genuine and is certainly paying his way,” Fownes said.
