Joseph O’Brien may have left Melbourne without a third Melbourne Cup, but Al Riffa now has the chance to make amends on the world stage at Sha Tin.
The Irish trainer has been able to personally oversee the son of Wootton Bassett’s build-up to the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m), one of four elite races on Hong Kong International Race Day.
Al Riffa arrives off a dominant Group 1 Irish St Leger win before finishing seventh in the Melbourne Cup.
“He has trained on well since being here and I am happy with him,” O’Brien said.
“I think it is a very competitive renewal of the race.”
History offers encouragement, with Melbourne Cup graduates Dunaden and Highland Reel having won the Vase.
“Horses coming out of the Cup have a good record in the Vase and his form at the trip says he’s one of the major players,” Racing and Sports expert Simon Dinopoulos said.
Dylan Browne McMonagle partners Al Riffa from barrier two.
“He’s got a lot of class,” McMonagle said.
“He’s a very straightforward horse and responds really well under pressure.”