 Australia's representative in Sunday's Audemars Piguet QE II Cup at Sha Tin in
Hong Kong, Universal Prince, is in great shape and ready to run the race of his life.At yesterday's barrier draw the gelding drew barrier three and his
in form trainer Bede Murray is looking forward to the big race on the weekend.
Murray said he was more than pleased with the condition of
his son of Scenic after travelling from Australia recently.
"His weight is 481 kgs (1058 lbs), exactly the same as
when he won the AJC Australian Derby last year," Murray said from Hong Kong
yesterday.
"That makes me more hopeful. He's looking great
too," he added.
Universal Prince was due to have his final gallop for the
rich international race this morning. His regular race rider Justin Sheehan will be riding
the gelding on Sunday. Sheehan has been with Universal Prince since the galloper arrived
in Hong Kong.
Leading British bookmaker William Hill has Universal Prince
marked at 9/2 and the fourth favourite for the Cup. Not surprisingly the Godolphin
galloper Grandera is the favourite.
LATEST BETTING
William Hill
$4.33 GRANDERA
$4.50 Eishin Preston
$5.00 Agnes Digital
$5.50 Universal Prince
$8.00 Olympic Express
$9.00 Okawango
$13.00 Lethals Lady, Helene Vitality
$34.00 Precision
$41.00 Indigenous, Cheers Hong Kong
$51.00 Rainbow and Gold
$101.00 Idol
$151.00 Rebel Leader |
