Australian Group One winner The United States has drawn barrier five in the field of eight for the QEII Cup in Hong Kong.
The Robert Hickmott-trained 2016 Ranvet Stakes winner The United States, who races in the colours of prominent owner Lloyd Williams, heads into Sunday’s 2000m Group One race at Sha Tin after running fourth to champion Winx at his most recent start in the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes in Sydney.
He will be ridden by Hong Kong-based Australian Brett Prebble.
The QEII Cup field features last year’s winner and reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year Werther, who has barrier two and will be ridden by top Australian jockey Hugh Bowman.
Along with the 2016 QEII Cup, Bowman has also won last year’s Hong Kong Derby and this year’s Hong Kong Gold Cup on the John Moore-trained Werther at Group One level from his eight rides aboard the five-year-old.
Another Sydney-based jockey Tommy Berry will partner Designs On Rome.