Flintshire is currently available at 2014 Hong Kong Vase odds of $2.50 and he is a dominant favourite to record his first race win this preparation in the Group 1 event at Sha Tin on Saturday.
Red Cadeaux is currently on the second line of 2014 Hong Kong Vase betting markets. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Flintshire has been a clear favourite in Hong Kong Vase betting since connections revealed that he would make the trip to Hong Kong for the race and punters are confident he is the horse to beat after finishing second in the Group 1 Coronation Cup (2423m), Group 2 Prix Foy (2400m), Group 1 Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe (2400m) and Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf (2413m).
Red Cadeaux has been a consistent performer in the Hong Kong Vase over the past three years and he is currently on the second line of betting at a quote of $6.
The Cadeaux Genereux gelding produced a typically brave effort to finish second behind Protectionist in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 4 and stable travelling foreman Robin Trevor Jones is happy with the condition of the popular stayer heading into the Group 1 event this weekend.
“He is in good form and he had his final hit out yesterday,” Trevor Jones told Sky Racing HQ earlier in the week.
“He didn’t do a lot, but he blew away for two furlongs and looked good on the track.
“He didn’t break any track records by a long way, but we were all very pleased with him.”
Talented colt Snow Sky will be dropping back in distance for the 2014 Hong Kong Vase after finishing third in the Group 1 Ladbrokes St Leger Stakes (2937m) at Doncaster on September 13, but has been kept safe by bookmakers at a quote of $7.50.
Snow Sky is still chasing a maiden win at the highest level of racing, but he took out the Group 3 Gordon Stakes (2414m) at Goodwood on July 30 and he rarely produces a poor performance.
Defending Hong Kong Vase winner Dominant has failed to fire in his three race starts this preparation, but he remains at single figure Hong Kong Vase odds.
Dominant finished outside the top ten in the Group 3 The Celebration Cup (1400m), Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy (1600m) and Group 2 Jockey Club Cup (2000m), but trainer John Moore remains hopeful that a softer Sha Tin track can help the Cacique entire return to his best form on Sunday.
Japanese hope Curren Mirotic is the only other horse that is available at a single figure quote in Hong Kong Vase betting markets and he could be the value selection in the race; with the Heart’s Cry gelding taking form around Just A Way and Gold Ship into the race.
