Stable News
28.11.06 - Ouija Board fine after Japan Cup
ED DUNLOP provided an upbeat bulletin on superstar mare Ouija Board after her creditable third-place effort behind Deep Impact in the Japan Cup.
The five-year-old, winner of seven Group 1 contests, is reported to be in fine fettle and on schedule for her career finale in the Hong Kong Vase - a race she won 12 months ago - in Sha Tin on December 10.
Ouija Board and Frankie Dettori following the Japan Cup
Dunlop said: "I saw her on Monday morning and she has come out of the race very well. She didn't lose any weight and I'm very happy with her. She flies to Hong Kong on Tuesday.
"She ran well on Sunday and a great horse beat her. A stiff mile and a half at that level is probably a bit far for her."
Dunlop confirmed, despite recent speculation suggesting she may carry on next year, that her Sha Tin engagement will be her last competitive action.
He added: "Hopefully we've got one last throw of the dice with her - then that will be it."
The Newmarket-based handler also had news of another of his charges, Court Masterpiece.
The six-year-old, who was seventh in the Mile Championship in Kyoto on November 19, is being prepared for his final appearance in Japan next month.
Dunlop said: "Court Masterpiece is OK and has come out of his last race well. It rained for 18 hours beforehand and it was slippery ground which he couldn't handle.
"But he stays out there and runs in a very valuable Group 2, the Hanshin Cup, on December 17."
|
