3 minute read

Hong Kong Preview by Timeform

Attack the key to Cup defence

Cirrus was at his formidable best last time in the Champion Stakes at Ascot but that was on his favoured soft ground which in his old age has become near enough vital to seeing him perform at his top.

The firm ground likely to face him at Sha Tin is less than ideal and plays into the hands of Military Attack who is on track to peak for this day, a peak that would in all likelihood see him come out on top.

Endowing and Akeed Mofeed finished ahead of Military Attack on trial day but must further improve if they are to confirm the placings with John Moore’s charge meeting them better at the weights and his 130+ demolition job in Singapore earlier this year still fresh in the mind.

The International Sprint is one prize Hong Kong have had no trouble holding on to in the past but Japanese raider Lord Kanaloa was able to swoop in and steal it last year and all looks in place for him to repeat the dose this time around.

Once again he comes into the race on the back of success in his home nation’s biggest sprint, returning form at least the equal of 12 months ago, and things get no tougher today.

Lucky Nine is the highest rated home town rival but he comes with question marks on his preparation having been below par at Flemington last time and toppling the big beast from Japan is expected to prove a bridge too far.

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