This years Hong Kong International Cup looks to be a showdown between Cirrus De Aigles and local hero Ambitious Dragon who stifle betting at $2.30 and $2.80 respectively.
CIRRUS DES AIGLES (FR)
Simply flying! Took the scalp of So You Think last start at Ascot in the G1 Champion Stakes, defeating the ex-Aussie by 0.8Lengths. Ran 7th in this race last year but wasn’t going as well as he is now. Looks the only danger to the Dragon.
Current Odds: $2.60
AMBITIOUS DRAGON (HK)
Horse of the Year in Hong Kong who has won 8 of his 14 starts including this years G1 AP QE II Cup over 2000m where he easily defeated a quality field with his trademark barnstorming sprint. Tragedy beaten last start when he sat wide without cover for the entire trip and was only gunned down in the last stride. Undefeated over 2000m and will have the home crowd on his side.
Current Odds: $2.60
BYWORD (FR)
Prince of Wales stakes winner who failed in the G1 Breeders Cup mile last start when the drop back in distance didn’t suit. Has won 3 from 5 over this trip and an improved effort is on the cards.
Current Odds: $8.00
DURBAN THUNDER (GER)
German galloper who was a comprehensive winner of a Group 1 in Munich bak in July this year. Hard to line up the German form but is lightly raced and has a handy overall record.
Current Odds: $34.00
IRIAN (HK)
Promised so much in his early days of racing in Hong Kong and has been slightly disappointing on face value but has been very consistent. Yet to crack it at G1 level but has never been out of the top four in his four G1 runs. Definate place hope who was nutted by Snow Fairy last year.
Current Odds: $15.00
CALIFORNIA MEMORY (HK)
Flashy grey gelding who won well fresh before not having the best of luck behind Thumbs Up when odds on favourite and finished 4th. His racing pattern means he needs some luck but if he gets it he’s sure to be charging home.
Current Odds: $7.00
ZAZOU (GER)
Group 1 winning German colt who defeated Rio de la Plata in Italy last start over 2000m. Likes to get back in his races so if the speed is on look out for him to be running on late.
Current Odds: $41.00
RANSOM NOTE (GB)
Handy galloper who was well beaten behind Cirrus des Aigles last time out and its very hard to see him improving many lengths to beat him.
Current Odds: $67.00
PURE CHAMPION (HK)
Ex Aidan O’Brien galloper who ran a slashing race behind Thumbs Up when he was beaten a neck as a 20/1 chance. Coming good at the right time and has the formlines to feature prominently.
Current Odds: $17.00
JACOBEE (HK)
Consistent local who is outclassed here.
Current Odds: $126.00
