Lucky Nine Arrives In Melbourne Ahead Of Manikato Stakes

Leading Hong Kong sprinter Lucky Nine has arrived at the International Equine Centre at Werribee ahead of the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on October 25.

Brett Prebble

Melbourne Cup winning jockey Brett Prebble will ride Lucky Nine in the Manikato Stakes. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Lucky Nine has been victorious at Group 1 level in both Hong Kong and Singapore and will have the opportunity to add two more major wins to his impressive racing resume when he contests the Manikato Stakes and Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) during the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival.

The Dubawi gelding was expected to arrive in Australia yesterday but his flight was pushed back due to Typhoon Usagi in Hong Kong but according to Hong Kong Jockey Club veterinarian Robyn Graham, apart from the brief delay, the six-year-old travelled without a problem.

“This is the longest trip he’s been on, but he was so relaxed,” Graham told TVN.

“He travelled really well and was straight into his feed when he got to Werribee.”

Racing Victoria International Recruitment Officer Leigh Jordon believes that the participation of Lucky Nine is a major coup for the 2013 Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival and said the gelding has settled in nicely to his new environment.

“It brings in a great new chapter for the international participation in the Carnival not just from the perspective that this horse is from Hong Kong but also that we are now also attracting world class sprinters to Melbourne,” Jordon said.

“The staff travelling with Lucky Nine are also very pleased with the A1 facility here at Werribee so it has all started well so far.”

Lucky Nine was one of 43 horses that were included in the 2013 Manikato Stakes nominations that were released by Racing Victoria today.

Bel Sprinter will have the opportunity to turn-the-tables on Lucky Nine, who defeated the Jason Warren-trained sprinter in the Group 1 Singapore International Sprint earlier this year, while Group 1 winners Epaulette, Moment Of Change, Linton, Platelet, Samaready and Shamexpress will all have the chance to claim the scalp of the Hong Kong champion.

Lucky Nine will be joined at the International Equine Centre by the first planeload of European-trained spring contenders on Saturday.

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.