Geoffrey Riddle takes a look at this weekend's Hong Kong Open ay Sha Tin and previews five horses to keep an eye on:
Hong Kong Cup – Free Eagle
Free Eagle has not had the best of luck since the Irish raider held off The Grey Gatsby at Royal Ascot. He suffered interference when beaten by Golden Horn in Ireland in September and again in the Arc a month later. Recompense awaits.
Hong Kong Mile – Maurice
The Yasuda Kinen and the Mile Championship are among some of the best mile races in the world so Maurice lines up in the Hong Kong Mile as a serious contender. Trainer John Moore has stated that ‘Beast from the East” Able Friend is back to his best, but that might not be enough anyway.
Hong King Vase – Helene Super Star
In a former lifetime Helene Super Star was known as Lines Of Battle and won the UAE Derby at Meydan on Tapeta. Ironically, as a son of US sire War Front, he would be a contender for races in Dubai back on the dirt. He looks up against it here though.
Hong Kong Vase – Dariyan
Flintshire is gunning for his second victory in the Vase after finishing runner-up in the Arc at Longchamp in October, but fellow French raider Dariyan may just improve past him. Bids to follow up Daryakana, is dam, who won the race in 2009.
Hong Kong Sprint – Gold-Fun
There is much to suggest that Mongolian Saturday has a real chance of causing a further surprise after his Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint heroics but if he is to prevail it is likely he will have to beat Gold-Fun. He was far too good for Al Quoz Sprint runner-up Peniaphobia last month and looks primed to run a huge race.
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