AUDEMARS PIQUET QEII CUP

The feature race on the card has drawn a small, but competitive field. Hong Kong Cup winner Time Warp is looking to add another feature to his resume and stake a claim for Horse of the Year. His trainer Tony Cruz also brings Pakistan Star and Gold Mount to the race, mounting a three pronged attack.

Speed: Returning back to his favoured distance after racing over 1600m last start, Time Warp should get an uncontested lead. The Japanese duo, Al Ain and Danburite are likely settle in behind him. Pakistan Star is better ridden quietly and connections have indicated that he will be after he was more prominent on his return to racing in the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup. Derby winner Ping Hai Star will also be back in the field. Given the lack of pressure the pace is likely to be on the slow side and build through the race.

Given that scenario it looks a repeat of the Hong Kong Cup, where Zac Purton and Time Warp put on a clinic going from barrier to wire to win easily. He did fail in his last start at 1600m, finishing 10/10 in a high pressure race. If you are prepared to forgive that he is your horse. The wild card is obviously Pakistan Star – which one will turn up? The rogue who is prone to stop, or the talented closer who can reel off unbelievable sectionals? He’s hard to tip in this given his antics last time, even in his qualifying barrier trial he had a look around in the home straight.

The Japanese runners bring solid form, without it being out standing. Both ran in the Osaka Hai, with Al Ain finishing 3rd and being the better run in the race. Danburite has looked settled all week, and Al Ain had a hissy fit on Thursday where he refused to gallop for over 45 minutes (aside from that he has looked well).

If Derby winner Ping Hai Star can over come the likely slow pace he is well suited, despite the obvious rise in class here.

Stabs: Ping Hai Star, Time Warp, Pakistan Star, Al Ain

CHAMPIONS MILE

Beauty Generation is another looking to repeat the heroics of a win in HKIR last December. As is the case with Time Warp, Zac Purton will look to lead from the get go and build the speed as the race goes on.

Speed: Beauty Generation leads and Southern Legend is likely to be handy along with Blizzard and Pingwu Spark. Moreira should position Seasons Bloom back of mid-pack and last start winner Beauty Only is the likely trailer. Western Express is also likely to be back in the field. The pace is likely to be slow and steady.

The race sets up well for Beauty Generation, who does come off a tough run in the Chairmans Trophy. Seasons Bloom has had a break since the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup and runs his bets races off in that scenario. Southern Legend steps up in class but has been in good form and the race may set up well for him. Western Express has mixed form, but was good at his most recent outing.

Stabs: Seasons Bloom, Beauty Generation, Southern Legend, Beauty Only

CHAIRMANS SPRINT

A strong local brigade meets the two visitors, both in Godolphin colours – Blue Point for Charlie Appleby and Fine Needle for Yoshitada Takahashi. Mr Stunning seeks to be the third of the December HKIR winners seeking to win the Spring feature, this time he will be ridden by Sam Clipperton who gained the ride after the suspension of Nash Rawiller.

Speed: Blue Point is a pace runner and Ivictory led from go to whoa at high speed at his last start. Peniaphobia is also a leader, but may have to take a sit here. The pace should be good. Mr Stunning is adaptable, but should be just off the speed from a good gate. Fine Needle and Beat The Clock will be mid-field or slightly worse. The Wizardofoz and Amazing Kids are the closers.

The race sets up well for Mr Stunning, who though beaten in the Sprint Cup by Beat The Clock, does get five pounds back here. Ivictory is the new kid on the block, but this may come a bit soon for him. Last years winner Lucky Bubbles has had a poor season, but jockey Brett Prebble is confident he has his zest back. The visitors are up against it here, they are good horses no doubt, but better have come before them, and gone home empty handed.

Stabs: Mr Stunning, Beat The Clock, Ivictory, Lucky Bubbles

Good luck all and safe travels to all horses and jockeys.