The last day before the big races, which saw most horses restricted to very light work on the dirt. Sole Power cantered a lap of the grass as did Green Mask. Gailo Chop catered on the dirt and was found to be lame afterwards. He’ll now have to pass a vet check to run.

The Australian trained horse all worked on the dirt, just a leg stretch before tomorrow. Criterion’s trainer David Hayes said: “The barrier dampens our enthusiasm a touch but he hasn’t left an oat all week and he’s really done well so we are still optimistic.” Preferment has been looking nice and relaxed and trainer Chris Waller has no worries with his condition. He said: “It’s good to get closer to the race with a horse who is sound, eating well and looking well and he’s all of those things. When those boxes are ticked they can normally come out and run their race.”

Cup runner Staphanos had an easy lap of the turf cantering home. He’s looked good all week and a bold run looks a likely scenario. Trainer Hideaki Fujiwara said: “The condition of Staphanos is really good.  He grabbed hold of the turf and coped with it well.  I hope he can give his best.” He’s only had two runs since coming to Hong Kong in April, so he’s been set for this.

Fiero was also out on the grass and again had an easy time of it. Trainer Hideaki Fujiwara stated: “We are pleased with the way things are going with him and everything is in order.  I am counting on jockey Mirco Demuro to do a great job.”

Maurice looked nice and relaxed again today, he’s been the improver of the week. He started a nervous type and was sweating up in the mornings.  Masanori Watanabe, the assistant to trainer Noriyuki Hori said: “We checked his movement and condition during his canter today as he galloped yesterday.  He is coming on well, looks well and we are pleased that his form is back to the way he was last race. I think he will be ready for the race.”

Cirrus Des Aigles was another who worked lightly on the dirt, but looks in good order. Trainer Corine Barande-Barbe said: “His jockey Olivier Peslier arrives tonight, and is excited to be back on Cirrus. I won’t be giving any instructions because Peslier knows that the horse is best when he can express himself. If he pulls hard, he’ll just let him go forward. When Peslier won on him at Meydan a few years ago, people said he was mad when he let the horse accelerate round the bend. But it was Cirrus doing his thing, and it worked.”

Staphanos was the pick of the morning for me. I’m not into tipping but I do like Free Eagle in the Cup and although she’s drawn terribly I like Straight Girl in the Sprint. good luck to all connection tomorrow, may they have the best of racing luck.

Trainer quotes are curtesy of the Jocckey Club.