Gallop raises War Artist hopes for HK Sprint

WAR ARTIST produced his best piece of work for trainer James Eustace in a racecourse gallop this week to heighten connections hopes of success in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint.

The Qatar Prix de l'Abbaye third skipped clear of lead horse Winter Fever, a Listed winner in South Africa, in a specially arranged workout over 6f at Kempton on Wednesday in preparation for his appearance in the Far East two weeks on Sunday.

Eustace said: "He worked six furlongs round the bottom loop and I was really pleased with him. I thought it was as good a bit of work as I have ever seen him do.

"It's not surprising because he is a horse thatswitches on at the races and is pretty laid back at home. I wanted to get the adrenaline flowing otherwise it was a long time between the Abbaye and Hong Kong.

"He was ridden out this morning and he was jumping and kicking. If we can keep him in one piece until he gets on the plane then we are away. We are very happy with him.

He added: "We have two things on our side. He is a relatively fresh horse and didn't start racing this year until much later than the others and an Australian bred horse has won the Sprint every year it's been going and he is an Australian bred."

War Artist is set to meet Abbaye winner Total Gallery and back-to-back Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes winner Borderlescott as well as Hong Kong champion Sacred Kingdom and Scenic Blast, the Australian horse that won the King's Stand Stakes this year.