Kan opts for Singapore over Japan for Industrialist

Former champion trainer Brian Kan Ping-chee, sharing equal top billing with David Hayes in the standings, has opted for the Singapore Airlines International race in May for brilliant Industrialist.

'The one-month span between the race in Japan and our big races on December 17 is just too tight. I have to have the horse right and it worries me that the time wouldn't be long enough - either before the Tokyo race or coming back here for the Hong Kong Cup,' said Kan yesterday.

The colourful record-breaking trainer had originally laid out a plan which took in the Mile Championship, worth $13.2 million, at Kyoto racecourse on November 19 before returning for the $14 million Hong Kong Cup and then the $13.5 million Singapore race in May. But the possibility of falling between two stools obviously weighed heavily and he has now scrubbed Kyoto.

'It is for the best. Now I can get the horse very fit and his first major task will be the Hong Kong Cup. He will have one race before that,' said Kan.