Hong Kong form analyst Xavier Blair shares his views on each horse in tonights 2010 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup.
1. Vision D’etat
Last year’s winner defeating Collection by ¾ of a length and comes into the race this year as
good as ever, running second to Twice Over in the G1 Champion Stakes at Newmarket back
in October. Favoured to go back to back.
Odds: 3.70
2. Collection
HK Derby winner last year who has a great record over this trip. Disappointed as 1.5f last
start in the G2 CX Jockey Club Cup behind Irian but no doubt this is the race John Moore
would rather win. Excellent chance.
Odds: 5.50
3. Cirrus Des Aigles
5th in the 2009 Vase and holds a remarkable record, only missing a place 4 times in his
career, winning 8 of them and finishing in the top two 19 times from 27 starts. With those
stats it would be silly to leave him out of exotics as he did run a handy 9th in the Japan Cup as
his most recent outing.
Odds: 34.00
4. Super Satin
2010 HK Derby winner who closed off well last start in the G2 CX Jockey Club Cup. He ran 3rd
over this distance in the G1 AP QE II Cup back in April last season and should be ready to fire
after 4 runs back from a spell.
Odds: 17.00
5. Glass Harmonium
British trained 4yo grey gelding who’s best win to date has been the G3 Gordon Richards
Stakes over 2006m at Sandown back in April. Craig Williams takes the ride but judging by
his latest 6th in the G1 Champion Stakes at Newmarket, he needs to find a few lengths to
threaten most of these.
Odds: 21.00
6. Irian
Huge big striding galloper who arrived to Hong Kong from Germany after winning the 2000
guineas with big expectations. He had a Derby campaign and went just fairly but has really
hit his straps this time in, winning the G2 CX Jockey Club Cup over 2000m defeating Packing
Winner. He doesn’t usually like racing between horses so gate 2 poses some concerns.
Odds: 9.00
7. Sri Putra
UK galloper who ran a cracking race when 2nd in the G1 Eclipse Stakes at Sandown back
in July behind Twice Over. He since was beaten 8 lengths by that same horse in the G1
Champion Stakes at Newmarket over 2000m and looks to have the job ahead of him.
Odds: 41.00
8. Packing Winner
Surprised many last time out when he led for a long way in the G2 CX Jockey Club Cup where
he was eventually worn down by Irian. He will most certainly employ the same tactics here
but in such a high pressure race he looks likely to settle for minor spoils again.
Odds: 41.00
9. Super Pistachio
Any give in the track would enhance his chances as he is yet to win on firm ground in 14 attempts. He ran fairly last start behind Irian but is capable of improving.
Odds: 41.00
10. Planteur
Dual G1 place getter in France who had never missed a top two finish before finishing 7th
and later being disqualified in the G1 Arc de Triomphe in France. He defeated Rewilding at
Longchamp in a G2 event back in April which is solid enough form to see him competitive
here.
Odds: 6.00
11. Stacelita
Has won an astonishing four G1’s, a mighty feat for a 4yo filly, who also ran 7th to Sea The
Stars in the 2009 Arc. Has competed at Group One level in 8 of her 12 starts and never
missed a top two finish over the distance, winning 4 of 6. Her stats speak for themselves and
she looks hard to go past.
Odds: 8.00
12. Reggane
French filly who won her biggest race of her career last start winning the G1 E P Taylor
Stakes for F&M over 2000m. She will have to get back from the wide alley but can unleash a
powerful finish.
Odds: 26.00
13. Snow Fairy
G1 Oaks winner at Epsom and G1 Irish Oaks winner at The Curragh this year stamped
herself as the champion filly in Britain this season. Great performance in the G1 St Leger at
Doncaster, finishing 4th to Arctic Cosmos. Probably her best performance came in Japan last
start where she demolished a big field of 17 to claim the G1 QEII Commemorative Cup by 4
lengths. Right in this.
Odds: 4.20
Written by Xavier Blair
