Michael Cox
Jockey Joao Moreira is hoping trainer Noriyuki Hori sends sprinter Satono Reve back to Sha Tin for a rematch with Ka Ying Rising after a solid G1 win in the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen last Sunday. Satono Reve's Group 1 win at Chukyo not only delivered Joao Moreira more time to ride on short stints in the Japan Racing Association but it also left the Brazilian jockey bullish about a possible rematch with Hong Kong's dominant sprinter Ka Ying Rising later this month.
Before Moreira had dismounted from Satono Reve following the Group 1 at Chukyo he yelled to his interpreter Adam Harrigan "That's six more months!" - referring to the extension of his eligibility to apply for JRA short term licenses until March 2027 - and when he hopped off Hori's horse he was hopeful he would be back aboard at Sha Tin soon.
"I am extremely happy about the win and the extra time it gives me to ride in Japan because I love it so much here and I am grateful for the love and support the fans have given me," Moreira told Idol Horse. "Obviously we always wanted to gain that extra time but nothing is ever certain."
Satono Reve was third to Ka Ying Rising, beaten three-quarters of a length, in the 2024 G1 Hong Kong Sprint and Moreira is excited about the possibility of a rematch on Hong Kong's Champions Day.
Ka Ying Rising, who is ridden by Moreira's former Hong Kong rival Zac Purton, has won his last 11 races and has set a new track record twice along the way.
Moreira admits it might take some luck or an off day for Ka Ying Rising - or both - to cause an upset if the two horses clash again but is confident Satono Reve is the right horse to be able to take advantage.
"I think there might be a chance," Moreira said. "You could wake up tomorrow sick and not be able to go to work and the same thing can happen to horses. They can have an off day and sometimes it can just be luck of the draw. If something does happen to Ka Ying Rising, then Satono Reve is the favorite.
"I know Ka Ying Rising has been impressive but there isn't much between them. He beat him by a relatively short margin in Hong Kong. My horse needs to improve one length and I guarantee you that he has improved.
"The fact is that it will be nice watching these two go head-to-head. It will make the race interesting ... when there is competition that is exciting and it is what the fans want."
Moreira rides Stellenbosch in this Sunday's G1 Osaka Hai at Hanshin, reuniting with the filly after her fast-closing third in the 2024 G1 Hong Kong Vase. "She worked well this week and she feels very fit, we couldn't ask any more of her," Moreira said. "Now we just need to bring that to the races."
Another of Hori's exciting prospects Moreira is hoping to get back on at some stage is Kentucky Derby-qualified colt Luxor Cafe, who has won four straight dirt races. Connections are yet to confirm plans for the son of 2015 Kentucky Derby winner and Triple Crown-clinching American Pharoah.
"I'd love to ride him wherever he goes," Moreira said. "He is a lovely horse."
michael.cox@singtaonewscorp.com
Joao Moreira with Stellenbosch. idol horse
