The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile has not been a race to help John Size sleep happily at night, but the dominant trainer over the past seven seasons is not taking it lying down.
He has finished second three times - twice with Electronic Unicorn and two years ago with Sunday's hopeful Armada.
'I'm good at getting beaten in this and there has been a sad tale each time, but I'm persevering,' he grinned wryly. 'I've won the QE II Cup, also an international, but it is about time I won one of these. I've never had much luck in the December races.'
Only one seven-year-old has won the Mile - The Duke, who nosed out Armada - but Armada is not the average seven-year-old with just 16 starts.
'He had a long time off racing and has never been overtaxed,' Size (pictured) said. 'He does feel older - he's fairly quiet at home - but when you ask him to gallop or race he seems to have plenty of energy. I would have liked another run in him but I shouldn't complain too much, given that he is unbeaten second-up.'
Enthused has been the emerging talent in Size's yard, but the trainer has not been surprised.
