A very busy morning, with many horses taking to the turf for their final prep gallop.

Garlingari

Trainer Corinne Barande-Barbe should know the type of horse required to be successful here in Hong Kong, having bought Cirrus Des Aigles to Hong Kong on seven occasions.  He brings solid G2 form to this, although appears more at home on a track with some give in the ground.

He was the only French galloper to take to the turf on Thursday, he stepped out under raceday rider Stephane Pasquier and was clocked as completing his final 800m in 58.2s (16.0, 15.6, 14.0, 12.6). Pasquier, who makes his third appearance at the meeting on Sunday, said: “We didn’t go quick but that was enough for him. He is a horse that can take plenty of work but that was all done in France. He adapted well and changed his legs pretty fluently so I was satisfied with how he went. He has strengthened up since last year and is a lot more powerful. They will go that bit quicker over 2,000 metres [than in the Vase last year] but I don’t expect that to bother him. He has been ridden more prominently over that trip at home and the distance doesn’t worry me.”

Highland Reel

I have to admit having a genuine soft spot for this guy, who is on his forth visit to Hong Kong. He won the Vase in 2015, and finished runner up to Satono Crown last year.  This is his career swan song, as he will be retiring to stud duties in 2018. He’s looked well since he’s been here, leading out the Ballydoyle string each morning.  I’d love to see him bow out on a high note.

He took to the turf track for the first time with regular rider Davy Bergin aboard, breezing home his final 400m in 24.6s. Speaking from Ballydoyle on Wednesday before his scheduled arrival in Hong Kong later in the week, Aidan O’Brien said: “Highland Reel came out of his run at the Breeders’ Cup well. He’s a great traveller and all has gone well with him on the trip to Hong Kong. This is his final race before he goes to stud, and I know that Davy (Bergin) is very happy with him. He’s been a great horse to be around, and he’ll be hard to replace.”

Lancaster Bomber

If World Approval were in this, I’d be backing him until my nose bled. Having run 2nd to World Approval in two of his last three starts, Lancaster Bomber looks well suited to this. He’s adaptable tactically and appreciates a firm track. He’s looked well settled this week and on appearances, there is no reason to doubt him on that basis.

He worked  with Seamie Heffernan on board and was timed at 26.6s (13.6, 13.0) for the final 400m. Trainer Aidan O’Brien said from Ireland: “We were delighted with his run at the Breeders’ Cup (2nd in the Breeders’ Cup Mile). He’s been very consistent all year, and has come out of that last run well. He’s only a three year old and his season next year will be one to look forward to. He’s still improving, and may stay a bit further with time.”

Lancaster Bomber will be ridden by Ryan Moore on Sunday, with Seamie Heffernan taking the ride on the other Ballydoyle runner, Roly Poly.

Roly Poly

When the fields were announced for the meeting, this was one horse I was looking forward to seeing. She’s a compact type who brings some strong form, having won three times at G1 level, albeit against fillies and mares. Stepping out to open company is always a big ask for a 3yo, especially after a long season. She’s looked well settled all week and on what I’ve seen would not be discouraged from backing her.

She galloped with regular rider Richella Carroll on board, was clicked up in the final 400m in a time of 23.6s (12.0, 11.6).

Aidan O’Brien said of the three year old daughter of War Front, a three-time Group 1 winner this season, “She was beaten three lengths from a wide draw in her last race (Breeders’ Cup Mile), but she has come out of that race well. She’s a very sound filly with a lovely pedigree, and she’s a very enthusiastic racer.” Seamie Heffernan will be in the irons on Sunday.

Staphanos

Another one who will be familiar to Hong Kong race goers, this being his forth visit having run in the Cup in 2015/2016 and the QEII in 2015. He ran 3rd in the Cup last year and was 2nd to Blazing Speed in the 2015 QEII, so has been able to bring his best here previously.

He galloped over 800m  with new rider Hugh Bowman in the saddle, in tandem with Tosen Basil (Vase). Trainer Hideaki Fujiwara said: “He breezed very well and is right where he needs to be. We are really hoping for an inside draw today. It is where he’ll do his best.” Staphanos drew eight.

Lucky Bubbles

Has been referred to recently as ‘Unlucky Bubbles’ lately, particularly after his last run here three weeks ago in the Jockey Club Sprint. His rider that day, Zac Purton, referred to that as a disaster – which was an apt description. On Sunday, Lucky Bubbles will be ridden by Hugh Bowman, who piloted him to his maiden G1 Success in the Chairmans Sprint Prize in May this year.

Hugh Bowman sat on Lucky Bubbles for only the second time, the first since his G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) win in May. He galloped 800m on the all-weather track in 53s (28.6, 24.4). Bowman said: “He’s a great horse and he’s an absolute model of consistency. He was obviously a really good run first-up and no luck second-up. I think he’s my best ride because he’s here in Hong Kong, he’s performed well in the race before. This horse never runs a bad race, you know exactly what you’re going to get.”

Seasons Bloom

He recorded a good win in the Jockey Club Mile three weeks ago. His issue in the past has being able to string consistent performances together, so will need to prove the doubters wrong here. Moreira picked him out last season as his ride for this race, so has had faith in him for same time. Danny Shum believes he can keep the horse fresh enough physically and mentally to be able to string performances together, and goes into this confident.

Seasons Bloom galloped down the riverside with Joao Moreira aboard, in company with stablemate Happilababy. Timed over 800m in 50.4s (26.8, 23.6).

Werther

He boasts an imposing record at the trip and distance, winning four of five starts and placing on the other occasion. He performed well in his final lead-up race, where he won the Jockey Cup Cup at 2000m. He’s undoubtably the best of the local challengers, who may perform better on rain affected going, which he will not get here.

He galloped under Tommy Berry in company with stablemate Midnight Rattler, clocking 1200m in 1m 21.5s (29.2, 28.7, 23.6). Trainer John Moore said: “He was the pick of them this morning, the standout. He hit the line really well. And he’s certainly my best chance of a win on the day.”