A number of contenders took to the turf this morning in some more serious work prior to Sunday. Takedown has been a relaxed horse all week. His gallop on the grass today was not to searching and given the travel and racing he’s done, a tough workout is not required.

Under track under work rider Petra Kankova he quickened up over the last 800m for a time of 53.4s (14.7, 12.9, 12.2, 13.6). Trainer Gary Moore commented: “I’m delighted with that. He was strong at the finish and his rider says that Takedown feels better than he did at the time he won the big race in Perth. What I like is that he is a horse who can quicken again for a jockey at the end of a race, which is why he usually wins by small margins. But small margins are OK with me.”

He looks well, whether he’s good enough remains to be seen. But you can’t fault his work or attitude.

Highland Reel, the globetrotting Coolmore stallion looks as well as ever. He galloped on the turf with stablemate Cougar Mountain. I’ll always claim him for Australia given that he comes from one of the finest families in our studbook, although I’m sure the Irish will have plenty to say about that. The work under regular exercise worker Davy Bergin was not strenuous: final 800m in 1m 03.9s (17.3, 17.0, 14.9, 14.7). Aidan O’Brien’s representative Pat Keating said: “They are grand, they’ll just keep ticking over now on the all-weather track for the rest of the week until Sunday.” The discreet thumbs up from his rider, and the smile on the face of O’Brien’s long time travelling head lad told work watchers all they needed to know.

Cougar Mountain followed under rider Craig Bryson: final 800m in 1m 04.1s (17.9, 16.3, 15.1, 14.8).

Benzini made his first appearance for the week, working on the dirt. He’s a Brisbane Cup winner at Group 2 level. His Group 1 appearances have failed to flatter and he does look like he may struggle here. He looked comfortable cantering around the all-weather track under assistant trainer Harry Bull. Jockey Rosie Myers who will make her Hong Kong race-riding debut at Sha Tin on Sunday said: “I’ve just arrived but the reports from Harry are very positive. I’ll ride Benzini in some work on Friday and we’re confident that our horse will run right up to his best on Sunday.”

Rebel Dane had another easy day on the AWT under Ben Melham. Trainer Gary Portelli, who arrived last night, was pleased with his sprinter. He said: “I thought he looked really well this morning. He was on his toes but he’s always like that and he wasn’t as agitated as he was yesterday. He probably thought he was out there to go racing yesterday.

“He’s putting some weight back on and settling into the routine here now. He’s not tucked up and is generally in good order. He’s just had an easy canter today; he doesn’t need to do too much. It’s not going to be easy on Sunday but we’re hopeful. On his day he can match it with the best.”

Amazing Kids brings some good local form into the race and would certainly not be an upset winner. The son of Falkirk is a five time course and distance winner. He was a respectable fifth in the Jockey club Sprint three weeks ago. He worked over 800m on the main all-weather track, stopping the clock in 1m 00.3s (33.8, 26.5). Trainer John Size said: “Everything’s normal. Amazing Kids, we’re keeping him the same. They are all on track now.”

Thanks to the HKJC for the track work times and quotes from connections.