Sozy once again showcased his dominance by defeating Andre Favre’s Javelot for a record fourth time at the Longines Hong Kong Vase in Sha Tin. In their previous encounter at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the two finished closely in third and fourth places, but this time Sozy pulled ahead, securing a decisive win by three-quarters of a length in the 12-furlong Group 1 race.
Los Angeles initially led as the horses entered the straight, but Sozy and Goliath quickly overtook him by the slimmest of margins. Javelot, trained by Marco Botti, and Al Rifa also contested fiercely in the final furlong. Despite Javelot’s determined effort to reclaim the lead, Sozy proved too powerful and finished first by three-quarters of a length, followed by Goliath in third and Al Rifa, trained by Joseph O’Brien, a neck behind in fourth.
Favre, who previously trained winners like Borgia (1999), Flintshire (2014), and Junco (2023), spoke on behalf of his wife Elisabeth, praising the flawless race execution and Sozy’s composure during the effort. He described Sozy as an exceptional horse with a great temperament and natural vigor, noting that the horse looks excellent and will continue racing next year.
Jockey Guyon, marking his third Vars win after Flintshire and Junco, commented that everything went smoothly. He explained that while he stayed behind Los Angeles for most of the race, Sozy’s stamina and toughness became evident in the final stretch as he began to pull away. Guyon highlighted Sozy’s versatility, mentioning past victories over varying distances including the Prix Ispahan (1,850 meters), Prix Ganey (2,100 meters), and now 2,400 meters in this race. He added that despite being Sozy’s first time racing on this continent, the horse remained calm and in great shape throughout the week.
Trainer Botti expressed satisfaction with Javelot’s performance under Andrea Azzeni. He acknowledged that the pace was not as strong as expected but praised Azzeni for a commendable ride, recognizing the quality of both Javelot and the winner.
Fan Take: Sozy’s consistent ability to dominate at the highest level cements his status as a top-tier racehorse, thrilling fans who appreciate skill, endurance, and strategy in racing. This victory not only highlights the sport’s competitive spirit but also raises excitement for future international showdowns, pushing the boundaries of excellence in horse racing.
