English/Ire
Lemaire looking forward to Embroidery spin in Hong Kong Mile
Record-breaking rider Christophe Lemaire believes that Embroidery has what it takes to put up a big performance when he tackles a stellar line-up in Sunday’s Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin.
The multiple Japanese champion jockey partnered Pride to success in the 2006 Hong Kong Cup but has since been absent on the scoresheet over the Hong Kong International Races.
However, there's no doubt that the French-born star believes he heads into Sunday's contest with a live chance onboard the three-year-old filly Embroidery, who will be attempting to etch her name in the history books by becoming the first of her age and sex to land the valuable mile prize following wins in the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) in April and Shuka Sho in October either side of her flop in the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks).
Lemaire, who got a good feel of his mount by steering her to victory in the mile and a quarter Shuka Sho at Kyoto, said: "She's a very talented filly. She's the winner of two of the three legs of the Triple Crown for fillies.
"She's back to a mile and I don't think that will be a problem for her because she's got enough speed for that. She won very well last time, and she's got a little weight advantage.
"It's a tough task against the best milers in Hong Kong, but she's talented and a true Group 1 filly, so she's got her chance."
A creditable performance from the daughter of Admire Mars, who himself landed the Hong Kong Mile back in 2019, could be the catalyst for further international travels according to Lemaire.
He added: "It's a nice challenge for a three-year-old filly to compete here. It's her first experience abroad, but let's see how she reacts. If she travels well to Hong Kong, maybe she will travel somewhere else."
Lemaire will also be onboard fellow Japanese Classic hero Urban Chic when he takes on the likes of Sosie, Giavelloto, Al Riffa, Goliath and Los Angeles in this year's Hong Kong Vase.
A winner of last season's Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger), Urban Chic looks sure to appreciate stepping back up in trip having seemingly found the ten-furlong distance on the sharp side when fifth in the Tenno Sho Autumn last time out.
"I think his best trip is 2400m or 2500m," said Lemaire. "During the spring, he was not at his best, but he looked like he was coming back in condition after his brilliant race in the Tenno Sho, where he finished fifth.
"The jockey was very happy with the horse, and I heard that he's doing very well in training now, and maybe this autumn he will find his best condition. We need to have him at his best to win the race, but I'm quite confident. The distance will definitely help him."
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