Horse racing: Ed Walker hoping for perfect Storm in Hong Kong Cup
Ed Walker is yet to win a Group One prize, but that could all change on Sunday when Stormy Antarctic goes for glory in the Longines Hong Kong Cup.
With a staggering £2.8million up for grabs, the five-year-old, who is owned by Hong Kong-based Sui Pak-kwan, would be deservedly striking at the top level for the first time.
Walker said: “He has had seven races this year from Group Three to Group One and he has run within 3lb on each one, which is incredible. He is super consistent and he will run his race on Sunday.
“This would be the dream winning this as Mr Siu has been a great supporter and he was the first horse he purchased. He has been a real flagbearer.
“He has finished second in three Group Ones and been placed in another. He deserves a big one and I can’t think of a better stage with my owner being Hong Kong based and being great supporters. For me to lose my Group One virginity, it would be a great way to do it.
Last time out the gelding ran an excellent race to finish fourth behind Roaring Lion in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over a mile at Ascot and Walker clearly thinks the step up to 10 furlongs (2000m) will help him.
“He’s in good shape and he's a much more relaxed horse than he used to be which will help him get home over 2000m,” Walker said.
“If he relaxes he is, definitely (a 2000m horse). James (Doyle) got him to switch off really well when second at the trip in Germany. He's a much more settled horse since we gelded him.”