Master trainer John Size has three chances to claim the HK$8 million Mercedes-Benz Classic Mile (1,600 metres) at Sha Tin tomorrow, but is more focused on learning about his talented gallopers than claiming one of the most prestigious races on the Hong Kong calendar. Size says he is always learning from his horses and is hoping tomorrow's race can not only bring some prizemoney for his owners, but also some further hints as to how to best fine-tune his runners Tuscan Spirit, Appreciation and Moonwalk. 'That's the reason we have these good races and why I like to run my horses in them,' Size said. 'For the inexperienced horses like Moonwalk you get more of a guide on how they measure up, and for high-rated horses like Tuscan Spirit you get a race where they can compete at set weights against their own age.' Despite pointing out that Tuscan Spirit is best suited by the set weights conditions of the Classic Mile, Size is not about to declare him in tomorrow's race. 'Tuscan Spirit has been running well in 1,400-metre handicap events and if he can run somewhere near his rating of 112, he will be competitive,' Size said. 'But it is his first race over 1,600 metres so there are a few question marks about him over the distance, although his inside draw will help.' While all three of Size's Classic Mile runners are nominated for the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby on March 14, Appreciation is the only runner who has been tried at 2,000 metres. 'Appreciation looks like he runs the 2,000 metres alright, and he is also well drawn and might get into the prizemoney [tomorrow],' Size said. 'He is a fairly versatile horse, and although he hasn't won over a mile, he has run good over 1,200 metres and over 1,800 metres so I think he has the ability to go well.' Moonwalk is backing up from a disappointing run at Sha Tin last Saturday when he recorded a career worst seventh in the 1,800-metre race won by Super Satin. 'He might not get any further than 1,400 metres, and that is a real possibility, but he pulled up well from that race and he's healthy, so that's why we're going back to the races with him,' Size said. Visiting Australian jockey Craig Williams has been booked to ride Tuscan Spirit, while Olivier Doleuze will guide Appreciation and William Pike guides Moonwalk. Regular stable rider, Douglas Whyte, who has previously won on all three of Size's Classic Mile runners, will ride the David Ferraris-trained Chater Way tomorrow.
