Lazzat Primed for Hong Kong Mile Challenge at Sha Tin

Trainer Jerome Reynier is confident in Lazzat’s form and condition as the three-year-old gears up for the Longines Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Owned by Nurlan Bizakov, Lazzat began his career spectacularly, winning his first six starts, including a stunning Group One triumph in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville in August.

The colt’s unbeaten streak ended in the Golden Eagle at Rosehill, Australia, where he was caught late by William Haggas’ Lake Forest, finishing just half a length behind. Now stepping up to a mile for the first time, Lazzat is ready to test his mettle on the global stage.

After a light day in quarantine on Monday, the colt returned to training on Sha Tin’s all-weather track on Tuesday, enjoying an easy canter under Franck Blondel.

“He’s in good shape and behaving well,” said Reynier. “He had a solid breeze on Saturday, so it’s just light exercise this week to keep him ticking over. The hard work is done.”

Reynier highlighted the benefit of Lazzat staying in Australia for a couple of weeks after his Golden Eagle effort, ensuring ample recovery time before his Sha Tin debut.

“He’s had plenty of recovery time since the Golden Eagle, and now it’s all about fine-tuning for the Hong Kong Mile,” he added.

Sunday’s race offers Lazzat an opportunity to return to winning ways and demonstrate his class against an elite international field.