Trainer Ivan Allan has warned the people of Hong Kong to AAjust enjoy the race'' rather than put their money on Fairy King Prawn at Sha Tin this afternoon when the dual Horse of the Year makes his seasonal debut in the National Day Cup.
AAMy advice to the racing public is to watch the race, enjoy the race, but don't back him,'' Allan said. AASometimes, it is best to stand back and enjoy watching the spectacle. If you bet every time, you can lose your money and I think this is one time for people to just watch. I'm sure Fairy King Prawn's many fans will ensure that he is under the odds and that's another good reason not to bet.''
The 1,400-metre National Day Cup will be Fairy King Prawn's first start since his lacklustre ninth in the Yasuda Kinen in Tokyo four months ago when Allan concluded the gelding must have been AAover the top'' from a season of hard racing. But the trainer was pleased enough with Fairy King Prawn's winning effort in a 1,000-metre barrier trial on Tuesday. AAThe horse is soft, he hasn't been screwed down yet, and that's what I've told his owner, Philip Lau,'' Allan said. AAHe has had one soft trial and a couple of nice gallops in the mornings but he certainly isn't at his top.''
Allan's superstar is virtually unbeatable in Hong Kong at set weights, but the big question mark today is his ability to confirm his superiority under handicap conditions. He carried 135 pounds in his two handicap-race runs last season, winning first up in the Happy Valley Trophy, then going down narrowly to King Of Danes in the Sprint Trial Trophy, both over 1,000 metres. Fairy King Prawn will concede between 12 and 27 pounds to his 13 rivals today as he begins his path to the Hong Kong Mile on December 16.
AALook, I couldn't say that I particularly selected this race, the fact is I have no choice but to run him here. There is not really another race for Fairy King Prawn,'' Allan pointed out. AAObviously his main aim is the Hong Kong Mile and that's some time away but only racing gets horses fit and he has to start somewhere. I'll be happy as long as he runs a good race and comes through well.''
The trainer again voiced his concern at the current condition of the Sha Tin surface. AAI really hope they have put some water on the track for this meeting because it was like concrete at the trials the other day, very firm,'' he said. AAIt is a slight worry for the horse to be running on such a hard track with a big weight early in his campaign. Fairy King Prawn would certainly appreciate some cut in the ground and a bit of rain would change the race and make me more confident.''
Oriental Express is next in the weights below Fairy King Prawn, and Allan said it would not surprise him to see his eight-year-old warrior race well as he sets out for the Hong Kong Vase. The grey has not run since his emotional victory in the Champions & Chater Cup, which earned him a AAreprieve'' from retirement. AAHe has always been able to do something in sprints fresh and I think he will run well,'' Allan said. AAAnd unlike Fairy King Prawn, one thing he really wants is a firm
