Elusive international mission for Millard

Monday, 23 March 2020 | Tony Millard’s All American expat Elusive State has been denied a second opportunity at international level in as many months after the Dubai World Cup meeting was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Elusive State had already arrived from Hong Kong and was in quarantine for the G2 Godolphin Mile at Meydan on March 28.  “We’re absolutely gutted after all the hard work and dedication to get the horse here,” Millard’s daughter Dominique said.  “His preparation had gone so well and we were looking forward to his first overseas foray.

“But obviously the health and safety of the population is the first priority.”

Elusive State was last seen running a half-length second to Glorious Artist (Ire) in the Chek Keng Hcp (1650m) at Sha Tin on December 29.  Millard and owner Eden Wong were hoping he would qualify for the Saudi Cup meeting last month but the HKJC didn’t program enough suitable all-weather races to help bump up his rating for Riyadh.

Elusive State (6g All American – Jarada by Redoute’s Choice) has won 8 times in 34 starts for earnings of HK 7.69 million (AUD 1.70 million).  He’s a half-brother to Fasika (So You Think) who won the G3 Wenona Girl Hcp at Randwick on March 7.

All American sired three individual juvenile winners from his first crop at Geisel Park before Christmas and then added trial winners All Metal (Lark Hill) and Lincoln’s Law (Bunbury) in January.

His Geisel Park homebred American Choice finished second in the LR Supremacy Stakes and fourth in the G3 Gimcrack Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.  She is on the second line of betting at $9 behind hot favourite Gemma’s Son ($2.40) for the G2 Karrakatta Plate on April 4.