Longines Hong Hong Kong preview

The traditional end-of-year finale in Hong Kong with Hong Kong International Raceday, featuring some of the best of the world's bloodstock. Studying hard for the previews has been Luke Humphreys, @WorldRacingLuke.

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Longines Hong Kong Cup

Group 1, 2000m
Sha Tin 1630 Local Time, 1930 AEST 0830 BST
(ODDS LISTED ARE BEST AVAILABLE)

1 Deauville (12/1): Ran a shocker at Woodbine in the Mile there, unseen since. Ran third in the Queen Anne in June and also in the Tattersall’s Gold Cup and Arlington Million. Did beat Poet’s Word at Chester in May however the other horse has arguably improved past this one.

2 Neorealism (5/1): Down the field in Autumn Tenno Sho last time, one of those that despised the soft ground. Won C&D G1 QEII Cup in April under a “magic” ride from Joao Moreira. Trying to complete a unique double, jockey unbeaten on him.

3 Poet’s Word (8/1): Second in both the Championship races in Ireland and the UK, the latter behind one of the best horses in the world. Andrea Atzeni leaves Japan for the weekend for one ride. Sir Michael Stoute a freak. 8/1, thank you.

4 Werther (2/1): One of the top horses in the country over the last couple of years, always just does enough when he wins, bar his demolition job in the QEII in 2016. Very good trial win, best of the locals.

5 Staphanos (12/1): One of the many that despised the conditions in the 2000m Tenno Sho. Yet to win at G1 level, loves Hong Kong though, is a six year old now but.

6 Secret Weapon (40/1): Won the trial last year and then a great second to Maurice in this race. Not in the same form this campaign however, if running to the form he did 12 months ago a chance without doubt.

7 Robin Of Navan (40/1): UK-prepared but effectively does all his racing in France. G1 Prix d’Ispahan runner-up but always seems to find a couple a bit too good for him and as is consistent as he is he is a bit of a non-winner. G3 second last time, outside the winner, Monarchs Glen, that was a strong race. A lot more required to get into the finish here.

8 Garlingari (33/1): Corine Barande-Barbe brought Cirrus Des Aigles to this meeting six years in a row. As soon as he retires she brings this one! Has improved out of sight, since the retirement of Cirrus Des Aigles, winning multiple group races in France.

9 Time Warp (8/1): Continues to improve but was run down by a better horse in the trial after having the run of the race, doubt he can reverse form.

10 War Decree (33/1): Failed to handle the dirt in the Classic last time at Del Mar. Whilst he was never going to get near them he was a bit unlucky running up the backside of good old Arrogate for the first half of the event. Been a bit of a disappointing horse. G3 winner at Dundalk before America.

11 Blond Me (25/1): Been a very good horse for connections this year winning the G2 Middleton at York followed by a second to Winter in the G1 Nassau. Completely forget the G1 Prix Vermeille as she was caught up in horrible interference, caused by the winner, and was then pulled up. Got a deserved G1 win in the E.P. Taylor in Canada. Against the boys this time a question mark but I’m sure she will go great on her final start before the breeding barn. However she needs the sting out of the ground to be at her best which she doesn’t get here.

12 Smart Layer (16/1): Japanese seven year old mare, that beat the boys at G2 level, including Tosen Basil, Vase runner, and Cheval Grand, Japan Cup winner. However only sixth in Fillies G1 since but not a bad run. However is a different horse under Yutaka Take. Fifth in the Vase 12 months ago.

Ratings: (3) POET’S WORD - (2) NEOREALISM - (4) WERTHER - (12) SMART LAYER - (8) GARLINGARI - (9) TIME WARP - (11) BLOND ME- (5) STAPHANOS - (1) DEAUVILLE - (10) WAR DECREE - (7) ROBIN OF NAVAN - (6) SECRET WEAPON

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