Soumillon in for some ‘Fun’

Top French jockey Christophe Soumillion jets in from France to take the call for trainer Richard Gibson aboard Gold-Fun (Ire) (Le Vie Dei Colori {GB}), who looms a lukewarm selection in the G2 BOCHK Wealth Management Jockey Club Sprint at Sha Tin.

After defeats at the hooves of Able Friend in the Hong Kong Mile and G1 Stewards’ Cup, Gibson turned the flashy chestnut back to 1200 meters, and, with Soumillon in the irons, he registered a 7-1 upset of 2014 Hong Kong Sprint winner Aerovelocity (NZ) (Pins {Aus}) and Lucky Nine (Ire)(Dubawi {Ire}) in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize Feb. 15. Runner-up to stable companion Dundonnell (First Defence) in the Sprint Cup Apr. 26, he returned to action in the Premier Bowl, but had the misfortune of running into old foe Able Friend and dropped a half-length decision.

Super Jockey (NZ) (Sandtrap) made the most of an invitation to the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen and ran a bang-up second to Secret Circle (Eddington). Off six months thereafter, the Kiwi-bred was no better than a 60-1 shot in the National Day Cup H. Oct. 1 and ran exceptionally well to be two lengths’ second to Not Listenin’tome (Aus) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}). He should thrive over this added distance. The latter disappointed somewhat when only sixth to Able Friend in the Premier Bowl, but was caught off the track and gave way in the final 100 meters.

Peniaphobia (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}) announced his arrival really and truly with a half-length tally in this event last year and went on to be a good second in the Hong Kong Sprint. Later runner-up in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai in March, he was seventh in the National Day Cup and exits a third in the Premier Bowl.

 

Source: http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/soumillon-in-for-some-fun/