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Godolphin Pair Cross The Globe For Hong Kong Feature

Mike Hedge
A pair of horses who have raced in three countries over the past year add another destination when they line up in the G1 Champions' Mile in Hong Kong on Sunday, May 1.

A pair of horses who have raced in three countries and two hemispheres over the past year add another destination - and hopefully another trophy - to their records when they join an outstanding line-up in the G1 Champions' Mile in Hong Kong on Sunday, May 1.

In a graphic example of Godolphin's global embrace, Bow Creek (John O'Shea/Zac Purton), from the Australian team and Safety Check (Charlie Appleby/James McDonald), a star of the recent Dubai World Cup Carnival, are worthy members of an international field comprising some of the world's best milers.

Bow Creek comes to Hong Kong off a sound fifth behind Winx in the G1 Doncaster Mile on an unsuitable wet track at Randwick on April 2.

"Ever since he arrived in Australia last Spring we've been impressed with him and nothing has happened to change those first impressions," said trainer John O'Shea who is in Hong Kong to oversee his final preparations.

"He showed some class when he won for us at his fourth run in Australia, his two runs since have been solid," O'Shea said.

"He's immaculate and has settled in beautifully in Hong Kong. He is as good as we can have him."

"He had a slight temperature when he arrived from Australia and took a couple of days to spark up but he hasn't missed any work and we are excited for Sunday's race."

"Our biggest concern is that the forecast is pointing towards a wet track, but I know the Sha Tin track can handle a lot of rain," O'Shea said.

Bow Creek also provides Hong Kong-based Australian rider Zac Purton with his first ride for Godolphin, an opportunity he regards as a highlight of an illustrious career.

"It's the first time I have had the opportunity to ride in the Godolphin blue, and it's something I've always dreamed about. I think every jockey dreams to ride in these colours. It's going to be a special moment for me, and hopefully the first of many," Purton said.

"Bow Creek ran a credible race when fifth to Winx in the Doncaster on a very heavy track. He was baulked for a run at a crucial time, but once in the clear, he closed it off well. Getting back to a dry surface could see him improve sharply."

Safety Check comes to the Champions Mile off the back of victories at his past two starts at Meydan, the most recent a second successive win in G2 Zabeel Mile.

His trainer Charlie Appleby, who briefly had Bow Creek in his Newmarket stable before that horse shipped to Australia, is also hoping for a dry track on Sunday.

"Safety Check has travelled well and arrived in Hong Kong in good order and reports are that everything is going in the right direction," Appleby said.

"He worked this morning on the grass and I am pleased with his progress going into the race on Sunday. He was much more relaxed on Wednesday than he had been."

BOW CREEK