SA’s top sprinter J J The Jet Plane will take on a powerful field of speedsters in Sunday’s Group 1 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint over 1200m at Sha-Tin raceourse.

Mike de Kock, who trained JJ The Jet Plane for a spell in Dubai and the UK, wished the connections well and said: “I have a soft spot for JJ The Jet Plane and I will be holding thumbs for Lucky and his team.”

On Wednesday during trackwork, JJ The Jet Plane bounced onto the all-weather track full of his old enthusiasm  and went really well before visiting the paddock at Sha Tin Racecourse for a couple of circuits.

Houdalakis said afterwards:  “He’s very well, and I’m happy with him. I wouldn’t have brought him here if I didn’t think he was good enough. He had a hard campaign in Europe, and needed a three-month break after that, but his last two runs at home were good and he’s back to his best.”

Singapore’s crack sprinter Rocket Man also impressed on the all weather track under his big race jockey Felix Coetzee. Trainer Patrick Shaw reported his charge to be in top shape ahead of Sunday’s race. “He’s acclimatized well, he’s eating well, drinking well, and his skin is good. Felix is very happy with him too. He’s done plenty of work, and all we need is a good barrier draw and racing luck. I don’t think going right handed is an issue now at all.”

Photo:  JJ The Jet Plane and Piere Strydom, trackwork in Hong Kong.