Richard Gibson is confident he has the firepower to land his twelfth Group 1 with Wellington (All Too Hard) or Cordyceps Six (Star Turn) in the Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on Sunday.

The Vinery-sired pair weren’t given any favours in the barrier draw on Thursday, however, Gibson remained upbeat ahead of the International meeting at Sha Tin.

The English-born conditioner commenced his training career in France and his Group 1 roll-call includes Doctor Dino (Hong Kong Vase) and Akeed Mofeed (Hong Kong Cup).  He came within a half-length of adding another when Gold Fun was runner-up in the 2016 Hong Kong Sprint.

Wellington will be gunning for a fourth Group 1 this Sunday and he pleased Gibson earlier this week when clocking 48.6s over 800m to dispel any fitness doubts.  An off-hind leg issue compromised his chances of winning for a fifth time on end in the Jockey Club Sprint (Gr.2, 1200m) last month.

“He pulled up lame that day but it’s all systems go for this assignment,” he said.  “He’s a very expressive horse so it doesn’t need much to get him off his game.  If he was a footballer, he would be like Ronaldo.  He pretends it hurts but it doesn’t really.”

Wellington will jump from barrier 10 but has the speed to go forward for Ryan Moore.  He replaces regular rider Alexis Badel who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury.  “My thoughts are with Alexis,” Gibson added.  “But we’re obviously delighted to call on Ryan’s expertise and experience for the big one.”

Wellington (6g All Too Hard – Mihiri by More Than Ready) was bred by Kia-Ora Stud in partnership with Vinery partners David Paradice and Steve McCann.  He sold for $70,000 at the 2018 Gold Coast Magic Millions and has won 11 times in 18 starts earning the equivalent of AUD2.81million for owners Michael and Jeffrey Cheng.

All Too Hard is highly regarded in Hong Kong with a 64% strike-rate and that was reflected at the Inglis and Magic Millions 2YO Sales in October.

Fellow Vinery sire Star Turn is also building a following in Hong Kong.  Gibson’s Group 3 Sha Tin Vase winner Cordyceps Six leads a perfect winners-to-runners record along with Astrologer, Star Contact and Sugar Sugar.

“Cordyceps Six is only four and what he’s achieved already is exceptional, however, barrier 13 will make it tough,” Gibson admitted.  “I was crossing my fingers at the draw but hopefully he can still play a role.

“He’s a smaller version of Wellington and is not quite the finished product.  His rating went from 60 to 107 last season and very few horses achieve that sort of improvement.  His trackwork might have looked below-par to the eye this week but he’s a gutsy horse and leaves his best for race-day.”

Cordyceps Six (4g Star Turn – Sandcastles by Hinchinbrook) was bred by Henderson Racing and Cook Bloodstock from a mare who descends from Champion Australian 3YO Filly Heat Of The Moment.  He was pin-hooked as a foal by Sledmere Stud and later made $140,000 at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale when purchased by a Hong Kong agent for owner Catherina Yim Wai Ling.

Wellington was the $4 second-favourite for the Hong Kong Sprint before the barrier draw while Cordyceps Six will ease from an opening quote of $17.