Even though Lucky Nine has thrived since his Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint win last month, trainer Caspar Fownes says he will be vulnerable when he drops back to 1,000 metres for the first time in tomorrow's Group One Kent & Curwen Centenary Sprint Cup against a host of straight-track specialists.
Lucky Nine takes on the Sha Tin straight course for the first time in the first leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, where Fownes says his five-year-old, who is better suited over 1,200m and 1,400m, will need some luck.
'It's going to be a big test for him,' Fownes said. 'In 1,000m races up the straight here, the specialist horses tend to perform the best. He will really come into his own in the final two legs of the series over the longer trips, but I'm sure he'll still be a force to be reckoned with on Sunday. He is in great condition.'
The Speed Series continues with the Chairman's Sprint Prize (1,200m) on February 5 and the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (1,400m) on March 4.
Lucky Nine is unbeaten on straight tracks, winning a race in Ireland over an undulating 1,200m course at Naas at his third start as a two-year-old. Fownes said tomorrow was a different ball game and nominated Sacred Kingdom, who has won the last two runnings of the race, and Little Bridge as dangers.
Sacred Kingdom has won eight times and finished second on three occasions in 12 tries over the course and distance, while Little Bridge is four from five.
Even Group One newcomer Eagle Regiment established a five-from-eight record at 1,000m, never finishing worse than second, as he moved through the grades.
