Cap Ferrat set for reunion with Williams in Queen Elizabeth II Cup
The top jockey Craig Williams seeks to conclude a demanding weekend on a high note with a Group 1 win in Hong Kong, reuniting with 2025 Hong Kong Derby champion Cap Ferrat in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin come April 26.
On Saturday, Williams boasts almost a full card of rides in Adelaide before heading over to Hong Kong's Champions Day.
Cap Ferrat notched his only win to date in the 2025 Hong Kong Derby, backing it up with commendable showings in the Group 1 Champions & Chater Cup and the Group 3 Premier Plate as last season wound down.
Snitzel's progeny experienced bleeding as the $3.90 favourite during the Group 2 Sa Sa Ladies' Purse (1800m) in November, though he made a sharp return by storming home late in this month's Chairman's Trophy (1600m).
Following Cap Ferrat's effort in the Chairman's Trophy, Williams expressed interest and landed the ride.
"His first up run last preparation was enormous and then all of a sudden, he'd come through with health issues, and then subsequently to see him back, I was taken and pleased by his first-up performance," he said.
"I touched base when I flew back from Sydney on Sunday last week, I rang up Francis and said, 'Oh, how's Cap Ferrat? Where's he going?' He said, 'he's going to go to the Champions Day on the 26th.' I said, 'I'll be keen to ride him.'"
"The next morning, I got a message to say that I was confirmed to ride him, and I was delighted to be re-associated with him."
The memories of triumphing in the Hong Kong Derby with Cap Ferrat remain vivid for Williams, even a year on.
"I spent three years riding in Hong Kong and the Derby is their biggest race and it's the equivalent to the Melbourne Cup.
"To get the opportunity to ride Cap Ferrat and to win the race was really special. Because I spent so much time there, I understand the magnitude of the race and to have that prize now, so far, one Hong Kong derby is brilliant."
At Morphettville this Saturday, Williams' highlights include Super Smink in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) and Paltrow Miss tackling the Australasian Oaks (Group 1, 2000m).
He will then journey to Hong Kong, where he also handles Juneau Pride and Ensued under trainer John Size alongside Cap Ferrat.
Fans can find excellent online bookmakers offering odds for the Queen Elizabeth II Cup.
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