If there is one jockey who has the most envious book of rides in Hong Kong on Sunday it is the globe-trotting Englishman Ryan Moore.
Moore will get the leg-up on three favourites across the four Hong Kong International Races with Dubai Sheema Classic fourth Highland Reel his leading chance in the Vase.
His other three rides all hail from Japan and Maurice has outstanding claims in the 2000-metre Cup up against last year’s winner A Shin Hikari, having beaten virtually everything over 1,600-metres since he scored in the Mile 12 months ago.
Compatriot Big Arthur needs to step up on his disappointing effort in the Group 1 Sprinters Stakes in October when 12th to Sunday rival Red Falx in the Sprint, which leaves Neorealism who takes on a rejuvenated returning champion Able Friend in the Mile.
Moore worked Maurice at Sha Tin on Thursday and the pair flew the final 200 metres of the 800-metre workout in 11.3 seconds. The five-year-old proved beyond doubt he can stretch his outrageous ability to 2000 metres when beating Dubai Turf hero Real Steel in the Group 1 Tenno Sho in October.
Moore was on board that day and is confident Maurice can prevail on what will be his final start before retirement. “I think that 2000m at Tokyo is far more challenging than the course in the Hong Kong Cup, it will not be an issue,” he said.
Moore is adamant that Big Arthur had a terrible passage behind horses in his last race, and could well do again from his wide draw in gate 13.
Trainer Kenichi Fukioka still hopes for a huge run. “Unfortunately, he was unlucky in the Sprinters Stakes.
“He is in very, very good condition after his solid workout the other day. He has come along so well that we really have confidence that he can perform well on Sunday.”
Dubai Turf update
Richard Fahey has revealed that star miler Ribchester will be aimed at the Dubai Turf at Meydan in March.
Ribchester, who was bought by Godolphin last season, won the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot in June and the Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville a month later.
The three-year-old son of Iffraaj capped his campaign with a second to Minding at Ascot in October.
Ribchester will not race again until the $6 million race, staged on March 25
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