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HorseRacing

Title: Hong Kong Sprint Contenders: Nobals and Starlust

2024-11-20

Trainer Larry Rivelli has confirmed that Nobals, the winner of the Grade 2 Kennedy Road stakes on Saturday, will be heading to Sha Tin for the highly anticipated Hong Kong Sprint (G1) on December 8. This marks a significant moment for Nobals, who had his first win of the year in July at Saratoga but had faced some challenges on certain tracks before the Kennedy Road. In his last two starts, E.T. Baird was aboard Nobals, and possible jockeys for the Hong Kong Sprint also include Ryan Moore and Umberto Rispoli. Rivelli stated that Nobals came out of the Kennedy Road well and might not need another workout before the six-furlong race. However, the uncertainty about when Nobals will ship remains, as there are many logistical hurdles to overcome. Another notable runner in the field is Starlust, a 3-year-old U.K.-based colt that achieved its first graded win of the year in the recent Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. Nobals, a 5-year-old gelded son of Noble Mission, has shown his versatility by winning on turf or synthetic at various tracks. Rivelli believes that Nobals didn't perform well on the turf in his previous two starts, specifically at Kentucky Downs and Keeneland. He emphasized that one either likes a particular track or doesn't. E.T. Baird also shared that Nobals didn't take to the track at Keeneland. This will be an interesting race as Nobals looks to build on his Kennedy Road success and face off against Starlust. Trainer Rivelli has raced in Hong Kong once before with Nicole's Dream in 2005, but he won't be making the trip this time due to the 16-hour flight. He mentioned that it's a long journey home if one gets beaten. The Hong Kong Sprint is set to be a thrilling event with these two strong contenders vying for the top spot.

Hong Kong's Premier Sprint Race with Promising Contenders

Nobals' Journey to the Hong Kong Sprint

Nobals' path to the Hong Kong Sprint has been a rollercoaster. After a slow start to the year with a fourth-place finish in an optional-claiming allowance race at Saratoga, he showed his potential by winning the Grade 2 Kennedy Road stakes. This victory gave him the confidence and momentum to aim for the prestigious Hong Kong Sprint. His performances in previous races at Kentucky Downs and Keeneland were less than ideal, but Rivelli believes that the Kennedy Road was a turning point. The horse seems to have found his groove and is now ready to take on the best in Hong Kong. E.T. Baird's rides in his last two starts have added to the excitement surrounding Nobals. His jockeying skills and understanding of the horse could play a crucial role in the Hong Kong Sprint.

Nobals' ability to perform on different surfaces is another aspect that makes him a formidable contender. Whether it's turf or synthetic, he has shown that he can handle various tracks. This versatility gives him an edge over some of the other runners in the field. Rivelli's confidence in Nobals is evident, and he is hopeful that the horse will shine in the Hong Kong Sprint and bring glory to his stable.

Starlust's Ascent to the Hong Kong Sprint

Starlust, the 3-year-old U.K.-based colt, has also made a name for himself with his first graded win of the year in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. This win has propelled him into the spotlight and made him a serious contender in the Hong Kong Sprint. Despite being relatively young, Starlust has shown great promise and determination on the track. His performance in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint was a testament to his talent and ability. Now, he will face tougher competition in the Hong Kong Sprint, but he is up for the challenge.

The journey of Starlust to the Hong Kong Sprint has been marked by hard work and dedication. His trainers and jockeys have been working hard to prepare him for this big event. Starlust's speed and agility on the track make him a dangerous opponent. He has the potential to surprise everyone and emerge as the winner of the Hong Kong Sprint. The addition of Starlust to the field adds an extra layer of excitement and competition to the race.

Trainer Larry Rivelli's Perspective

Trainer Larry Rivelli has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the racing world. His decision to send Nobals to the Hong Kong Sprint is a testament to his confidence in the horse. Rivelli has closely monitored Nobals' progress and believes that he is ready to perform at his best in Hong Kong. He is aware of the challenges that lie ahead but is determined to give Nobals every opportunity to succeed.

Rivelli's previous experience in Hong Kong with Nicole's Dream gives him some insight into the race. However, he understands that each race is unique and requires a different approach. He is focused on preparing Nobals both physically and mentally for the Hong Kong Sprint. His attention to detail and dedication to his horses have earned him a reputation as one of the top trainers in the industry.

The Logistics and Challenges

The logistics of shipping Nobals to Hong Kong are not to be underestimated. There are many hoops to jump through, including ensuring the horse's well-being during the journey and complying with all the necessary regulations. Rivelli is well aware of these challenges and is working closely with his team to ensure a smooth transition. The 16-hour flight is a significant factor, and he is considering all the options to make the trip as comfortable as possible for Nobals.

In addition to the logistics, there is the pressure of competing in a high-profile race like the Hong Kong Sprint. The competition is fierce, and every horse and jockey will be giving their all. Rivelli is prepared to face these challenges head-on and is confident that Nobals will rise to the occasion. The success of Nobals in the Hong Kong Sprint will not only be a victory for the horse and his team but also for the sport of racing.