A DESERVED Triple Crown is there for River Verdon's taking after the best horse Hong Kong has ever seen completed his Champions and Chater Cup preparation without a hitch yesterday morning.
When good horses are at peak fitness and in peak condition, they do not work in flashy style.
That has been River Verdon's way since he annihilated his rivals with a breathtaking display in the Gold Cup and he goes into tomorrow's final leg of the Triple Crown looking fit and ready to do his job.
''I'm pleased with the big horse and looking forward to the race,'' trainer David Hill said yesterday.
''He's done what we've asked of him since the Gold Cup and he should appreciate the extra distance.'' River Verdon, who sprinted up 400 metres yesterday morning, has done some of his serious grass work in company with stablemate Fortune Leader and there must be every possibility of Hill saddling the quinella.
Hill went on: ''The one thing about Fortune Leader is that he is guaranteed to stay the trip. He is holding his form very well and was probably made too much use of last time. I'd be delighted if we could run the quinella and it must be a possibility.'' From a betting point of view, that may be the best way of approaching the race though for many this will be a race to sit back and savour, fingers crossed that Hong Kong's best - and best-loved - horse can capture a fitting Triple Crown.
