In Hong Kong, Craig Williams targets a Group 1 coup to wrap up an intense weekend, returning to partner the 2025 Hong Kong Derby hero Cap Ferrat in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) slated for Sha Tin on April 26.
Saturday brings Williams a packed program in Adelaide, after which he jets to Champions Day in Hong Kong.
Cap Ferrat’s career highlight remains his 2025 Hong Kong Derby victory, validated by gritty runs in the Group 1 Champions & Chater Cup and Group 3 Premier Plate concluding last season.
The son of Snitzel suffered a bleed issue when sent off at $3.90 in the Group 2 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1800m) last November, yet he resumed positively with a bold closing burst in the Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) this month.
Williams obtained the ride by making contact after that Chairman’s Trophy appearance.
“His first up run last preparation was enormous and then all of a sudden, he’d come through with health issues, and then subsequently to see him back, I was taken and pleased by his first-up performance,” he said.
“I touched base when I flew back from Sydney on Sunday last week, I rang up Francis and said, ‘Oh, how’s Cap Ferrat? Where’s he going?’ He said, ‘he’s going to go to the Champions Day on the 26th.’ I said, ‘I’ll be keen to ride him.'”
“The next morning, I got a message to say that I was confirmed to ride him, and I was delighted to be re-associated with him.”
Williams reflects fondly on the lasting impact of his Hong Kong Derby win with Cap Ferrat from over a year past.
“I spent three years riding in Hong Kong and the Derby is their biggest race and it’s the equivalent to the Melbourne Cup.
“To get the opportunity to ride Cap Ferrat and to win the race was really special. Because I spent so much time there, I understand the magnitude of the race and to have that prize now, so far, one Hong Kong derby is brilliant.”
His Morphettville rides Saturday are led by Super Smink in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) and Paltrow Miss in the Australasian Oaks (Group 1, 2000m).
In Hong Kong, Williams will additionally guide Juneau Pride and Ensued for John Size beside Cap Ferrat.
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