6.10 Longines Hong Kong Vase (Group 1)

The mile and a half contest doesn’t look the strongest but has a great world-wide cast. Irish, British, French, Australian and Japanese challengers line up.

Aidan O’Brien is represented by Luxemburg and Continuous. Luxembourg could make the frame again. “He ran a very good race in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (sixth), much better than you’d think,” O’Brien said this week.

Continuous has been disappointing, failing to build on his good three-year-old career and was well behind at Ascot. “Continuous is probably more forward than he’s been all year,” the trainer added.

Japan’s three-year-old filly Stellenbosch, placed in two classics, heads the betting but she is worth taking on.

Andre Fabre should never be dismissed and Maxime Guyon was aboard for both Flintshire’s wins in 2014 and again when Junko won last year, while the trainer’s overall record in the Hong Kong Vase is three wins, four seconds and a third from 13 starters.

He is represented by Marquisat, Godolphin’s lightly-raced four-year-old son of Zarak. The form of the Group 2 Grand Prix de Chantilly in the summer when he had Dubai Honour and Goliath behind him puts him right in the mix. Fellow French challenger Iresine, who was running on when fourth in the Champions Stakes at Ascot has a decent shot too.

Dubai Honour was unlucky last time and is generally consistent at top level. Anthony and Sam Freedman send over Without A Fight, winner of last year’s Melbourne Cup and placed behind Via Sistina last time.

SELECTION: Iresine

Next best: Marquisat

6.50 Longines Hong Kong Sprint (Group 1) 6f

A full field of 13 sprinters with all eyes on the new star Ka Ying Rising and Zac Purton. He hasn’t been done any favours though by being drawn 11. He broke Sacred Kingdom’s long-standing track record at his last start in the Group 2 Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint.

“He has got great gate speed and a lot of those inside of him haven’t, so he should cruise across into quite a good spot,” his trainer David Hayes said this week.

California Spangle drops back to the Sprint having run in the Mile last year and won the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint in Meydan. Starlust comes off his great win in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint but that race had a mad early pace.

Japan’s Satono Reve was a beaten favourite last time in the Group 1 Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama and could be the one to take advantage should the favourite blow out.

SELECTION: Ka Ying Rising

Next best: Satono Reve

8.00 Longines Hong Kong Mile (Group 1) 1m

The Mile looks most competitive with Japanese challenger Soul Rush making a quick reappearance after winning the Group 1 Mile Championship two weeks ago. Jantar Mantar is also a Group 1 winner this season.

Voyage Bubble is hoping to go one better after he finished second behind former champion Golden Sixty last year. James McDonald is likely to send him forward. His form is well linked with fellow home contender Galaxy Patch.French challenger Lazzat was on a run of six wins before meeting defeat last time. He has a bit to do to win at Group 1 level.

Docklands comes from Australia for Harry Eustace after two Group 1 runs behind Via Sistina. James Ferguson’s three-year-old Ramadan, a French Group 2 winner, could be worth an each-way wager under Ryan Moore.

SELECTION: Voyage Bubble

Next best: Ramadan

8.40 Longines Hong Kong Cup (Group 1)

ON the week his renowned sire Acclamation died, his best son Romantic Warrior is ready to write himself into history as the first three-time winner of tomorrow’s Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin.

Romantic Warrior takes on a field of 11 including the Ballydoyle fillies Content (Ryan Moore) and Wingspan (Wayne Lordan).

Also in contention are top Japanese filly Liberty Island and the Bahrain Trophy winner Spirit Dancer (Oisin Orr) and The Foxes (Oisin Murphy).

Of Wingspan, Aidan O’Brien said this week, “We think the mile and a quarter will be fine for her. She’ll go forward.

“Content can be keen and we think the pace of the race will suit her.”

The Japanese challenge looks the strongest in this race and Tastiera’s second to Do Deuce in the Tenno Sho (Autumn) is a stand out piece of form.

Liberty Island hasn’t really built on her three-year-old season but is too good to completely dismiss.

SELECTION: Romantic Warrior

Next best: Tastiera