12/8: Hong Kong Vase, Cup, Mile, Sprint

NEW

« Prev
1
Next »

Jon
Administrator

Posts: 4,669

12/8: Hong Kong Vase, Cup, Mile, Sprint Dec 3, 2013 0:56:45 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Jon on Dec 3, 2013 0:56:45 GMT -5

Four Big races on Dec 8

The Longines Hong Kong Vase
Introduced by Stewards of the Club to encourage local owners to import top class stayers, the Hong Kong International Vase was introduced as a third international race in December 1994.

Always contested over 2400M, the race was accorded G2 status in 1996 and became a G1 in 2000. The prize money for the Vase is valued at HK$15,000,000 (US$1,934,000).

A track record time of 2 min 25.1 second marked the first edition of the Vase, won by 12/1 chance RED BISHOP for French-based trainer John Hammond and jockey Cash Asmussen; the winning margin of 2.8 lengths was a new record then.

Another French-trained runner, PARTIPRAL, lifted the title in 1995 before LUSO, trained in England by Clive Brittain, went on land successive Vases. The second time the son of SALSE was victorious, he won at the very cramped odds of 3.4 under Mick Kinane. It was Frankie Dettori who was in the saddle in 1996.

Hong Kong's only Vase victory arrived when INDIGENOUS, one of the most best and consistent horses ever to grace Sha Tin, got home by a neck from DARAZARI for multiple champion jockey Douglas Whyte and training maestro Ivan Allan. Victory here earned him a nice portion of his career earnings of HK$45 million and helped secure his only Horse of the Year crown.

Formerly trained in Germany where she defeated the colts to land the Deutsches Derby, the top class racemare BORGIA rounded off an excellent international career by proving a shade too strong for BIMBOLA at odds of 23/1 to give her perennial French champion trainer Andre Fabre his sole win to date at the HKIR.

DALIAPOUR's cosy win in 2000 vindicated his purchase from the Aga Khan only weeks earlier by Robert Ng Chee-siong, the Singaporean property tycoon. Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, DALIAPOUR was ridden by Johnny Murtagh to cap a memorable year for the jockey when he won 12 Gr.1 races worldwide.

A very exciting renewal followed when STAY GOLD ground down EKRAAR in the final strides of the 2001 Vase. The story of the race was how Frankie Dettori tried to steal the race on EKRAAR halfway down the backstretch and pinched four lengths turning for home. However, Yutaka Take, riding the classy Japanese horse, bided his time and was able to wear the Godolphin hope in the shadows of the post.

It was then that the Franco-British dominance of the Vase commenced. ANGE GABRIEL, ridden by Thierry Jarnet for trainer Eric Libaud, defeated Aquarelliste in 2002 and 12 months later VALLEE ENCHANTEE (Dominque Boeuf, Elie Lellouche) bested Polish Summer to produce the third French Vase quinella in five years. VALLEE ENCHANTEE became the second triumph for trainer Lellouche after Partipral.

During the middle of the decade, PHOENIX REACH, trained by Andrew Balding, was one of the classiest performers on the international circuit and in 2004 his Vase victory came in between triumphs in the Canadian International and, later, the Dubai Sheema Classic at his next start.

In the 2005 renewal, OUIJA BOARD overcame a less than ideal trip and won going away under Kieren Fallon by 2.75 lengths over SIX SENSE from Japan and the local trained BEST GIFT. OUIJA BOARD was twice voted Europe’s Horse of the Year at the Cartier Awards in London.

Another globetrotter, COLLIER HILL, overcame his unfashionable background and relatively advanced age of an eight-year-old to get make the first run on the field and hold on by a whisker from a pair of Aga Khan owned runners in KASTORIA and Shamdala to steal the 2006 version.

Europe's Horse of the Year DYLAN THOMAS travelled to Sha Tin in 2007 having been denied a start in the Japan Cup a week earlier but could not find peak fitness in time. Instead, victory reverted back across the English Channel to France and DOCTOR DINO, trained by Englishman Richard Gibson, ridden by Frenchman Olivier Peslier and owned by Spanish owner Javier Martinez Salmean.

2011, DUNADEN with Craig Williams in the saddle grabs the Hong Kong Vase.

2012 RED CADEAUX with Gerald Mosse in the saddle edges Jaguar Mail to grab the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase.
Winners of the Hong Kong Vase
Year Horse Name Representing Country/Region
2012 RED CADEAUX (BR) BR
2011 DUNADEN (FR) FR
2010 MASTERY (GB) UAE
2009 DARYAKANA (FR) FR
2008 DOCTOR DINO (FR) FR
2007 DOCTOR DINO (FR) FR
2006 COLLIER HILL (GB) GB
2005 OUIJA BOARD (GB) GB
2004 PHOENIX REACH (IRE) GB
2003 VALLEE ENCHANTEE (IRE) FR
2002 ANGE GABRIEL (FR) FR
2001 STAY GOLD (JPN) JPN
2000 DALIAPOUR (IRE) GB
1999 BORGIA (GER) FR
1998 INDIGENOUS (IRE) HK
1997 LUSO (GB) GB
1996 LUSO (GB) GB
1995 PARTIPRAL (USA) FR
1994 RED BISHOP (USA) FR

The Longines Hong Kong Cup
Introduced by Stewards of the Club to encourage local owners to import top class stayers, the Hong Kong International Vase was introduced as a third international race in December 1994.

Always contested over 2400M, the race was accorded G2 status in 1996 and became a G1 in 2000. The prize money for the Vase is valued at HK$15,000,000 (US$1,934,000).

A track record time of 2 min 25.1 second marked the first edition of the Vase, won by 12/1 chance RED BISHOP for French-based trainer John Hammond and jockey Cash Asmussen; the winning margin of 2.8 lengths was a new record then.

Another French-trained runner, PARTIPRAL, lifted the title in 1995 before LUSO, trained in England by Clive Brittain, went on land successive Vases. The second time the son of SALSE was victorious, he won at the very cramped odds of 3.4 under Mick Kinane. It was Frankie Dettori who was in the saddle in 1996.

Hong Kong's only Vase victory arrived when INDIGENOUS, one of the most best and consistent horses ever to grace Sha Tin, got home by a neck from DARAZARI for multiple champion jockey Douglas Whyte and training maestro Ivan Allan. Victory here earned him a nice portion of his career earnings of HK$45 million and helped secure his only Horse of the Year crown.

Formerly trained in Germany where she defeated the colts to land the Deutsches Derby, the top class racemare BORGIA rounded off an excellent international career by proving a shade too strong for BIMBOLA at odds of 23/1 to give her perennial French champion trainer Andre Fabre his sole win to date at the HKIR.

DALIAPOUR's cosy win in 2000 vindicated his purchase from the Aga Khan only weeks earlier by Robert Ng Chee-siong, the Singaporean property tycoon. Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, DALIAPOUR was ridden by Johnny Murtagh to cap a memorable year for the jockey when he won 12 Gr.1 races worldwide.

A very exciting renewal followed when STAY GOLD ground down EKRAAR in the final strides of the 2001 Vase. The story of the race was how Frankie Dettori tried to steal the race on EKRAAR halfway down the backstretch and pinched four lengths turning for home. However, Yutaka Take, riding the classy Japanese horse, bided his time and was able to wear the Godolphin hope in the shadows of the post.

It was then that the Franco-British dominance of the Vase commenced. ANGE GABRIEL, ridden by Thierry Jarnet for trainer Eric Libaud, defeated Aquarelliste in 2002 and 12 months later VALLEE ENCHANTEE (Dominque Boeuf, Elie Lellouche) bested Polish Summer to produce the third French Vase quinella in five years. VALLEE ENCHANTEE became the second triumph for trainer Lellouche after Partipral.

During the middle of the decade, PHOENIX REACH, trained by Andrew Balding, was one of the classiest performers on the international circuit and in 2004 his Vase victory came in between triumphs in the Canadian International and, later, the Dubai Sheema Classic at his next start.

In the 2005 renewal, OUIJA BOARD overcame a less than ideal trip and won going away under Kieren Fallon by 2.75 lengths over SIX SENSE from Japan and the local trained BEST GIFT. OUIJA BOARD was twice voted Europe’s Horse of the Year at the Cartier Awards in London.

Another globetrotter, COLLIER HILL, overcame his unfashionable background and relatively advanced age of an eight-year-old to get make the first run on the field and hold on by a whisker from a pair of Aga Khan owned runners in KASTORIA and Shamdala to steal the 2006 version.

Europe's Horse of the Year DYLAN THOMAS travelled to Sha Tin in 2007 having been denied a start in the Japan Cup a week earlier but could not find peak fitness in time. Instead, victory reverted back across the English Channel to France and DOCTOR DINO, trained by Englishman Richard Gibson, ridden by Frenchman Olivier Peslier and owned by Spanish owner Javier Martinez Salmean.

2011, DUNADEN with Craig Williams in the saddle grabs the Hong Kong Vase.

2012 RED CADEAUX with Gerald Mosse in the saddle edges Jaguar Mail to grab the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase.
Winners of the Hong Kong Vase
Year Horse Name Representing Country/Region
2012 RED CADEAUX (BR) BR
2011 DUNADEN (FR) FR
2010 MASTERY (GB) UAE
2009 DARYAKANA (FR) FR
2008 DOCTOR DINO (FR) FR
2007 DOCTOR DINO (FR) FR
2006 COLLIER HILL (GB) GB
2005 OUIJA BOARD (GB) GB
2004 PHOENIX REACH (IRE) GB
2003 VALLEE ENCHANTEE (IRE) FR
2002 ANGE GABRIEL (FR) FR
2001 STAY GOLD (JPN) JPN
2000 DALIAPOUR (IRE) GB
1999 BORGIA (GER) FR
1998 INDIGENOUS (IRE) HK
1997 LUSO (GB) GB
1996 LUSO (GB) GB
1995 PARTIPRAL (USA) FR
1994 RED BISHOP (USA) FR

The Longines Hong Kong Mile
The Longines Hong Kong Sprint

HKJC site

Last Edit: Dec 3, 2013 1:11:49 GMT -5 by Jon

Jon
Administrator

Posts: 4,669

12/8: Hong Kong Vase, Cup, Mile, Sprint Dec 3, 2013 1:03:49 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Jon on Dec 3, 2013 1:03:49 GMT -5

Little Mike goes for spin on Sha Tin turf

The Hong Kong International Race program is less than a week away, and 21 of the 28 overseas contenders emerged from the Sha Tin quarantine stables to stretch their legs Monday morning. It was a case of gentle work on the all-weather track for most, with only the American Little Mike and Australia's Linton opting to gallop on the turf.

Multiple Grade 1 victor Little Mike, bound for Sunday's about 1 1/4-mile Hong Kong Cup, clocked 800 meters (about a half-mile) in :53.7. After a leisurely opening furlong in :28.3, the Dale Romans charge picked it up through his second furlong in :25.4.

Little Mike, who scored his only win of the year in the September 28 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational, comes off a seventh in his title defense in the Breeders' Cup Turf.

One of his most dangerous rivals, French star Cirrus des Aigles, turned in a light canter on the all-weather track.

"The trip went fine and the horse is happy to go," said Jean-Jacques Poincelet, assistant trainer to Corine Barande-Barbe said. "He was a little bit stiff this morning but you can't blame an old warrior for that. It does not really matter."

Hoping for a breakthrough in his fifth trip to Hong Kong, Cirrus des Aigles was just denied in the October 19 Champion Stakes at Ascot.

Japan's Cup hope Tokei Halo likewise cantered on the all-weather track.

"This is his first time traveling abroad, so he was a little bit tired after the journey to Hong Kong," said Yoshiyuki Miyashita, assistant trainer to Hisashi Shimizu. "But his condition has recovered, and he is full of beans and cantered comfortably this morning."

The Grade 2 winner faces a big ask off his 10th in the Tenno Sho Autumn at Tokyo.

Hong Kong Mile threat Moonlight Cloud stretched her legs on the all-weather track. Unbeaten in four outings in 2013, the Freddie Head mare is making her second trip outside of Europe. Her first resulted in a forgettable eighth in the 2012 Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita.

"She has only traveled this far once before, that was for the Breeders' Cup in California," traveling head lad Regis Barbedette said. "That day, she was beaten because of a bad draw and an awful race. The trip did not bother her.

"Freddie Head told us to give her a light canter over six furlongs today. She needs to relax a bit and that is exactly what this piece of work will do. Freddie arrives on Wednesday. We will ask for more then. The weather here is great and the track will suit her.

She will enjoy turning right rather than on the left hand, which she never really liked. Our main concern in the race would be Sky Lantern. We also had a look at the local prep race and we always watch out for local milers, as they are very good."

Mile contender Linton stepped out on the turf course but wasn't asked to break any records. He worked 1,200 meters (about six furlongs) in a very leisurely 1:34.5, coming home the last 400 meters (quarter-mile) in :28.8 under a tight hold from handler and regular track rider Carolyn Mason.

Successful in the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm back in June, the John Sadler charge was most recently eighth in the Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.

The English-based pair of The Fugue (Hong Kong Vase) and Grandeur (Cup) arrived in Hong Kong Monday morning. Multiple Group 1 queen The Fugue was run down late by Magician in the Breeders' Cup Turf, while multiple Grade 2 veteran Grandeur was knocked out of the Turf after spiking a fever.

Although The Fugue has only just settled in at Sha Tin, the John Gosden mare is already haunting her opponents' connections.

Defending Vase champion Red Cadeaux cantered around the all-weather track, a light exercise that was also watched keenly from the sidelines by big-race rider Gerald Mosse.

"He's as fit as a flea," said Robin Trevor-Jones, traveling head lad to trainer Ed Dunlop. "Gerald has such a great record on him including winning this last year, but he has never ridden him in work and we are not planning to change that successful formula anytime soon."

Red Cadeaux was a gallant runner-up in the November 5 Melbourne Cup last out.

"And after the amazing job Gerald did with him in Melbourne last month from such a difficult draw," Trevor-Jones said, "I'm not even getting too worried about what gate he gets on Thursday!

"We want a proper gallop on Sunday, and I'm not sure where it is going to come from, but our main problem is The Fugue and we've got to give her four pounds. Without her we are the one to beat."

Mount Athos, Simenon, Dandino and Dunaden -- respectively third, fourth, fifth and 11th in the Melbourne Cup -- all tackle Red Cadeaux again in the about 1 1/2-mile Vase.

The Luca Cumani-trained Mount Athos had an easy stretch on the all-weather after working more vigorously last Saturday morning.

"I'm very happy with him," assistant trainer Charlie Henson said. "His work on Saturday was very good -- exactly what we wanted -- and he looks to be in good shape. He ran his last 400 meters in :22.6, and it was a similar gallop to his work immediately before the Melbourne Cup.

"His work at Werribee before coming here was good and he's holding his condition in good fashion. It's very different here compared to Werribee. So much more to see, so much more going on but he's settled in well."

Mount Athos failed in the 2012 Japan Cup immediately after his very good fifth placing in that year's Melbourne Cup but Henson is hopeful for a more positive back-up to Mount Athos' Melbourne Cup third this year.
"I think the Japan Cup just came too soon for him last year and the race didn't unfold for him well. He broke slowly and they didn't go that quick which was against him. The extra couple of weeks between runs this year is more suitable for him."

Dandino cantered the all-weather track, and the American St Leger winner and Caulfield Cup runner-up looked well muscled behind the saddle.

"He's had a nice canter," said Paul Francis, traveling head lad to trainer Marco Botti. "I'm pleased with his coat considering how cold it was in Melbourne, and though he's fit he comes here fresher than last year having had less races. The Fugue is the one to beat."

Dunaden, who turned the Melbourne Cup/Hong Kong Vase double in 2011, had a light canter on the all-weather. Since his unplaced performance as the 129-pound highweight in Melbourne, the seven-year-old was a fine fifth in the November 24 Japan Cup.

"We went to Australia, then Japan, and here we are again," said Aymeric Candas, traveling head lad to trainer Mikel Delzangles. "The old man knows it all and he settles well."

Asuka Kurichan, who represents Japan in the Vase, also cantered on the all-weather track.

"He is a very tough horse," trainer Naosuke Sugai said of the Copa Republica Argentina winner. "I think he handles the new surroundings and has settled well. This morning he was too fresh because he did not come out on the track yesterday, and he was likely to be happy to canter on the course. He will be more relaxed tomorrow."

Ebiyza, the lone sophomore filly in the Vase, turned in light work on the all-weather track. Awarded the victory via disqualification in the Prix de Royallieu two back, the Aga Khan homebred cuts back in trip off a fifth in the marathon Prix Royal-Oak.

"She traveled perfectly, as most of the horses did, and we are quite happy with her so far," said Jean-Michel Roux, traveling head lad for Alain de Royer Dupre. "She did not do much this morning and needs to find her bearings. We will see to that now. Work is for another day."

Japanese champion sprinter Lord Kanaloa cantered on the all-weather track ahead of his title defense in the Hong Kong Sprint. He has taken the same path as last year, exiting a score in the Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama.
"He traveled comfortably and has been relaxed since he arrived," said Ryuji Iwamoto, assistant trainer to Takayuki Yasuda. "He has no problem with the surroundings at Sha Tin as he was here last year, too. He has a good appetite. The team will do the best to defend the title this year again."

Two local Sprint hopefuls recorded works -- Time After Time and Go Baby Go.

Group 1-placed Time After Time, 10th in his reappearance in the Jockey Club Sprint, covered about a half-mile in :52.4 with splits of :29.2 and :23.2.

"He galloped with Longwah Supreme this morning and he went well," trainer Chris So said. "Gerald reported that he felt really good, his action is sound and he's happy. I'll give him one more gallop over 400 meters on Thursday, maybe -- just to give him a blow."

Last-out Sha Tin Sprint Trophy scorer Go Baby Go toured about a half-mile on the all-weather in :56.5 with splits of :31.0 and :25.5.

"He felt good this morning," jockey Tye Angland said. "It wasn't a hard workout and he pulled up well. It was a nice little blow and he seems to be on track at the moment."

Brisnet

Last Edit: Dec 3, 2013 1:04:30 GMT -5 by Jon

Jon
Administrator

Posts: 4,669

12/8: Hong Kong Vase, Cup, Mile, Sprint Dec 5, 2013 23:57:25 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Jon on Dec 5, 2013 23:57:25 GMT -5

Barrier Draws:

Hong Kong Cup: Military Attack (9), Cirrus Des Aigles (10), Little Mike (6), Akeed Mofeed (1), Endowing (8), Grandeur (7), Neatico (11), Tokei Halo (5), Side Glance (2), Rainbow Chic (12), Same World (3), Blazing Speed (4)

Hong Kong Mile: Glorious Days (13), Gordon Lord Byron (4), Packing Whiz (9), Dan Excel (7), Gold-Fun (10), Helene Spirit (5), Pure Champion (1), Xtension (12), Real Specialist (2), Linton (3), King Kreesa (11), Shamalgan (14), Moonlight Cloud (6), Sky Lantern (8)

Hong Kong Vase: Red Cadeaux (11), Dunaden (12), Dominant (14), Feuerblitz (9), Mount Athos (6), Seismos (2), Dandino (5), Simenon (4), Asuka Kurichan (10), Liberator (8), The Fugue (3), Nymphea (1), Galileo Rock (13), Ebiyza (7)

Hong Kong Sprint: Lord Kanaloa (12), Lucky Nine (5), Time After Time (11), Joy And Fun (1), Eagle Regiment (8), Slade Power (10), Sole Power (9), Charles The Great (7), Frederick Engels (4), Cerise Cherry (3), Rich Tapestry (6), Sterling City (2), Go Baby Go (13), Jwala (14)

Last Edit: Dec 5, 2013 23:59:39 GMT -5 by Jon

Jon
Administrator

Posts: 4,669

12/8: Hong Kong Vase, Cup, Mile, Sprint Dec 6, 2013 23:44:22 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Jon on Dec 6, 2013 23:44:22 GMT -5

Good summary.

Anyone have picks? I like Moonlight Cloud in the mile,want Fugue to win, and hope the US horses aren't totally embarassed

Little Mike is good at upsets so if long odds will throw something on him just to support my country LOL Ev will play her favorite Aussie jock, Damien Oliver, on Linton. Now he's a good looking gray LOL

From Brisnet

Hong Kong contenders gear up for Sunday's extravaganza

Grand campaigner Cirrus des Aigles is in Hong Kong for the fifth time, and Sunday's Group 1 Hong Kong Cup will be his fourth International run (he missed last year through injury on race eve). He's yet to win in Hong Kong but trainer Corine Barande-Barbe is quietly confident he will produce his best this time.
"He will run his race this year, I'm sure of that," Barande-Barbe said. "The signs have been good with him on the track and I think now that we understand everything that is required here, maybe this will help him win. He's really very well.

"I want this. I want him to show here in Hong Kong what he can really do. It's not about redemption. Redemption implies guilt and he is guilty of nothing, this horse, he's been so wonderful. Perhaps you might say it's unfinished business."

American Cup contender Little Mike stretched his legs on the all-weather on Friday, covering about a half-mile in a leisurely 1:04.6.

"With horses it's all about the little hurdles getting them ready, and he's crossed them all no problem," trainer Dale Romans said. "Now we've just got one big one left to jump on Sunday and hopefully he can do it. It would be great to have a U.S.A. win here."

Neatico, representing Germany in the Cup, went a steady 1,200 meters (about six furlongs) on the all-weather in 1:34.5. Peter Schiergen reported his Bayerisches-Zuchtrennen winner to be in good form.

He is very well, and I was very pleased with his last bit of work here earlier in the week. Unfortunately he is drawn a bit wide in gate 11, and I am not sure if he can get cover from there, but I'll leave that to his jockey," said Schiergen, who was himself a multiple champion jockey in Germany.
The jockey in question is Andrasch Starke, who has ridden Neatico in his last seven racecourse starts.

British-based Grandeur worked about a half-mile on the all-weather in :57.4 in preparation for the Cup. The Jeremy Noseda trainee recorded splits of :32 and :25.4.

Compatriot Andrew Balding remains upbeat about the chances of Side Glance on Sunday after his charge completed his morning routine with a school in the paddock.

"He's looking good, moving well and we've got a good draw in gate 2, so there's a lot to look forward to," the trainer said of his Cup chances. "I hope he can get a piece of the cake on Sunday."

Japan's Tokei Halo cantered on the all-weather before a paddock schooling ahead of his big day in the Cup.

"Everything has gone perfectly up to know," trainer Hisashi Shimizu said. "He has become matured and is settled well here. Jockey Yutaka Take knows him well and handles him well all the time in races. I am very much looking forward to seeing his performance on Sunday. It has been a great honor to be selected for this wonderful occasion."
Three of Hong Kong's Cup entrants posted Friday works.
Akeed Mofeed strode about six furlongs on the all-weather under Douglas Whyte in 1:22.1 (splits of :30.3, :26.9 and :24.9).

Same World, with Tommy Berry aboard, covered the same ground in 1:22.6 (splits of :30, :28 and :24.6)

Rainbow Chic blew out about a quarter-mile in :26.1 on the all-weather.

Hong Kong Mile threat Moonlight Cloud exercised about a half-mile on the all-weather in :49.9 (splits of :25.3 and :24.6).

"She's in very good shape after settling in beautifully," trainer Freddy Head said. "She's done all that we wanted of her on the track here. She goes to the Mile, but that's fine for her now, I think. In the early days she raced too keenly but now she settles well in her races.

"The trip won't be a problem, but Sky Lantern might be. I think she's the one to beat but I'm very happy with my filly. She's kept improving all the time since we took her to Ascot (for the 2012 Diamond Jubilee) and she ran so well behind Black Caviar.

"I am very happy especially as she seems really happy. She's a clever mare and she's saving herself. Of course there remains a question mark over the traveling as she ran badly the only time she traveled before -- to Santa Anita -- and we won't know for sure about that until Sunday."
Rival Sky Lantern cantered on the turf under Richard Hughes and eased through about two furlongs in :27.3.
Several other Mile hopefuls went for a spin on the all-weather.

Ireland's Gordon Lord Byron toured about a quarter-mile in an easy :29.

Australian flag-bearer Linton cantered, and stable manager Troy Corstens said that his confidence was growing about the gray's prospects.

"He's getting better and better every day here," Corstens said. "I'd say he's close to spot-on and now it's just a question of whether he's good enough but we do have a great jockey (Damien Oliver) and a good draw.

"The horse has well and truly recovered from the slight setback which forced us to scratch him during Melbourne Cup week," he added, alluding to an ephemeral bug, "and this has been his target race since he came back into work, so it's not an afterthought. Maybe a few more days here for him would have been ideal, but he's well and the track will suit him. Now we just hope for some luck."

A trio of Mile-bound locals also went through their paces on the all-weather.

The streaking Gold-Fun negotiated about six furlongs under Olivier Doleuze in 1:25.2 (splits of :31.9, :28.7 and :24.6).
Dan Excel, ridden by Weichong Marwing, clocked the same distance in 1:24.9 (splits of :31.5, :28.1 and :25.3).
"He went out this morning and ran a good time and came home in :12.55 for the last 200 meters," trainer John Moore said of his final eighth. "Marwing reported that he pulled up very clean-winded and he was very happy with the work, even though he's going into the race one run short -- there's still going to be a tiny bit of doubt about him being 100 percent. He's a horse that improves as the season goes on."

Packing Whiz worked about a half-mile in :58 (splits of :31 and :27).

Hong Kong Vase favorite The Fugue went a gentle lap of the turf course under William Buick and strolled about two furlongs in :29.1.

Simon Marsh, racing manager to the owner, Lord Lloyd-Webber, commented: "She looks very well. She did her final piece of work at Newmarket last Friday, and she's race fit, so she won't be doing much here."

Defending Vase champion Red Cadeaux cantered on the turf under his usual work rider.

Dan Excel, ridden by Weichong Marwing, clocked the same distance in 1:24.9 (splits of :31.5, :28.1 and :25.3).
"He went out this morning and ran a good time and came home in :12.55 for the last 200 meters," trainer John Moore said of his final eighth. "Marwing reported that he pulled up very clean-winded and he was very happy with the work, even though he's going into the race one run short -- there's still going to be a tiny bit of doubt about him being 100 percent. He's a horse that improves as the season goes on."

Packing Whiz worked about a half-mile in :58 (splits of :31 and :27).

Hong Kong Vase favorite The Fugue went a gentle lap of the turf course under William Buick and strolled about two furlongs in :29.1.

Simon Marsh, racing manager to the owner, Lord Lloyd-Webber, commented: "She looks very well. She did her final piece of work at Newmarket last Friday, and she's race fit, so she won't be doing much here."

Defending Vase champion Red Cadeaux cantered on the turf under his usual work rider.

"My concern in coming here was that it might come a bit soon for him after his last run in the Japan Cup, which will have been only two weeks before Sunday," trainer Mikel Delzangles said after the work.
"While that is still a slight concern, I am as happy as I could be with his general well-being, so I hope all goes well on Sunday, but we'll find out in the race."

Fellow French representative Ebiyza recorded 1:25.6 for the same distance (splits of :34, :28.4 and :23.2).

Mount Athos looked bright as he cantered on the all-weather.

"He did have a hard race in Melbourne (third in the Melbourne Cup)," trainer Luca Cumani's assistant Charlie Henson said, "but there's every indication now that he's come through that really well, and after Melbourne we now know we have options with him tactically."

Japanese Vase contender Asuka Kurichan was caught in 1:28.6 (splits of :31.8, :30.8 and :26).

"He is in a perfect condition," trainer Naosuke Sugai said. "It is just about the same condition as when he won his last race (the Copa Republica Argentina) and he feels very bright. He understands the race comes soon.

"I do not ride him, but I can really feel his energy and he is full of spirit. This morning I told the rider not to move too fast and not to make him too tense. The horse knows his task. He is very relaxed but has changed into a top gear mentally. I am very happy with him."

Germany's Vase triumvirate all took to the all-weather.
The filly Nymphea loped about six furlongs under Starke in 1:38.8 (splits of :31, :34 and :33.8).

"She is in good form and everything has gone well," Schiergen said of his Grosser Preis von Berlin winner. "The key to her is a good pace and firm ground. You can forget her last run at Ascot where it was soft (in the British Champions Fillies and Mares), and in Istanbul the pace was only ordinary (when third in the Bosphorus Cup). I hope there is a good pace, but my jockey (Starke) knows her and if he has to go forward then he will."

Seismos negotiated the same distance in 1:26.6 (splits of :33.1, :28.8 and :24.7).

Trainer Andreas Wohler said of his Munich Group 1 winner and Canadian International third: "He has had a good year, but a long one. Yet every time I think he's needed a break he bounces back in a couple of days and tells me he is ready for more.

"Everything has gone well out here, and while The Fugue is probably the best horse in the race, the others are pretty evenly matched, so it's really all about the race, and how it is run, and what sort of trip we get."

Feuerblitz limbered up on the all-weather, and trainer Michael Figge is looking forward to Sunday's race.

"I am confident that he is 100 percent right now, and that he will give a good account of himself," Figge said. "It's a tough race of course, and I would be happy were he to finish fourth, but it's a horse race and anything can happen, so you never know."

Hong Kong's two Vase hopefuls, Dominant and Liberator, geared up with about six-furlong moves on the all-weather.

Dominant went in 1:25.5 (splits of :29.8, :27.7 and :28) under Zac Purton, but his trainer was forthright about his chances.

"Dominant has a tough task from gate 14," Moore said.

Under Brett Prebble, Liberator posted 1:28.3 (splits of :33.5, :31.8 and :23).
Reigning Hong Kong Sprint winner Lord Kanaloa is giving off the right vibes ahead of his swan song, striding out about a quarter-mile on the all-weather in :27.3.
"He has now switched on," assistant trainer Shogo Yasuda said. "He has a great mood this morning and I feel his energy is getting ready for the big game. He has a good gait and moved very flexibly. I am sure he is in very good form. His work has been perfect up to now. We will work him on turf again tomorrow morning."

Trainer Eddie Lynam sent his Sprint duo of Sole Power and Slade Power out onto the Sha Tin turf.

Sole Power worked about a half-mile in :53.8 (splits of :31.7 and :22.1), while Slade Power popped out of the gates at the five-furlong start to sharpen the Irish colt.

Jockey Steve Drowne was happy with Jwala after he partnered the English filly in a canter on the all-weather.

"She's very settled right now and has a good attitude," Drowne said. "We can't do anything about the gate (14) but she has plenty of early pace which you can't say about all European sprinters."

Last Edit: Dec 6, 2013 23:47:40 GMT -5 by Jon