Eustace sets sights on Hong Kong for Docklands

Harry Eustace is hoping to head to Hong Kong with Docklands after his globetrotting stable star has his latest run in Australia.

Runner-up in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot and not disgraced when seventh to City Of Troy in the Juddmonte International, the four-year-old had a crack at the Cox Plate last month.

He was fifth there to the ex-British-trained Via Sistina and will clash again with that mare – who has been nothing short of a revelation since her sale and move to Chris Waller – this weekend in the Champions Stakes at Flemington.

“Hong Kong is very much the plan after Saturday, so here’s hoping we can pull it off in Oz ahead of heading up there for the International races meet in December,” Eustace told Grosvenor Sport.

“I think he’s improved both mentally and physically for his run in the Cox Plate, which we probably thought might happen. Obviously, we were well held by Via Sistina at Moonee Valley, so it’s a case of how much Docklands has improved in the meantime, which we won’t know for sure until Saturday.

“I’d say we also didn’t find out if he really stayed the 10 furlongs in the Cox Plate, as he was probably needing the run that day, so we’ll learn more about his stamina come Saturday too.

“The track at Flemington will definitely suit him better than Moonee Valley. Of course, other participants will probably say the same, but I’m excited for our guy, as he really ought to have his ideal conditions on Saturday.

“If we end up finishing second to Via Sistina, then so be it, but we’re really hoping we have our guy in a better place to show his very best.”