Dubai not Sydney is the more likely destination for Hong Kong star Able Friend if his owner decides he is to race overseas in the next couple of months.
Dr Cornel Li indicated a few weeks ago he would think about a trip to Australia for the $3 million Doncaster Mile during The Championships.
But his facile win in Sunday’s Stewards’ Cup at Sha Tin had his trainer John Moore and jockey Joao Moreira thinking Dubai in March was the best option.
Moore said although Able Friend was the third highest-ranked horse in the world, he would have to go overseas to prove himself.
“I do think we’ve seen that we have another Silent Witness here in Hong Kong,” Moore said, referring to the former world champion sprinter.
“Silent Witness went to Japan and proved himself, but for what Able Friend’s done so far, I think the world will stand up and take note of this horse and look forward to seeing him in an overseas campaign.
“My personal opinion would be to go to Dubai.
“It’s a 10-day turnaround and it’s just easy there and easy back. I will be recommending that to Dr Li. We’ll have lunch in the next 10 days and we’ll sit down and toss up the pros and cons of $US6 million ($A7.63 million).”
Dr Li has expressed a reluctance to go offshore until later in the year with Royal Ascot and the Yasuda Kinen in mind.
