The Action Heats Up In Hong Kong

THE ACTION HEATS UP IN HONG KONG 
Another trackwork morning and another rainy day. Somewhere out there is the famous Hong Kong Peak, but to date a medley of rain, grey skies and the occasional wind storm seems to be all that is on offer. Thankfully, the Gala Party was not too challenging, although I have it on good authority that the vodka martinis were slightly lacking in the martini department and very strong in the vodka department. This could very likely have been the cause of the diminished media numbers at trackwork this morning. 
The local contingent worked in the early hours, with Military Attack (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}) and Designs On Rome (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) floating by under lights. John Moore reports that all four of his charges are in good shape, and it just depends on how much the trip back from Dubai has taken out of them. He did add that Joao Moreira, who has the ride on Military Attack, reported that the gelding is even better than before his Gold Cup victory in February. 
Designs on Rome is the only one of the favored runners who has not had to travel, and this may count in his favor. Moore would love to see Military Attack defend his title, but seems to think that of his four, Designs On Rome is the one to beat. Once the local horses had all headed back to their stables, it was the turn of the five internationals in the Quarantine stables to make their appearance. Actually, there are now six horses in quarantine, with the Japanese Champions Mile contender, Meiner Lacrima (Jpn) (Chief Bearhart), arriving this morning. 
The South African pair of Vercingetorix (SAf) (Silvano {Ger}) and Sanshaawes (SAf) (Ashaawes) were first 
out under race riders Anthony Delpech and Olivier Doleuze. Both went round at a trot before proceeding to a steady canter. While Vercingetorix was a model of consistency under Delpech, Sanshaawes displayed some of the nervous energy that caused him to put a leg over the starting stalls in Dubai, likely diminishing his World Cup chances. The gelding wears a hood, but it seemed to have little effect and he returned sweated up and fighting Doleuze. The proximity of the crowd and the accompanying noise come raceday could be a real problem for tricky gelding. 
Delpech, who rode Vercingetorix to victory in the G1 Daily News 2000 before his departure to Dubai, was delighted to be reunited with the solid colt. Vercingetorix, who was unbeaten until coming up against Japanese superstar Just A Way (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) in the G1 Dubai Duty Free, cantered hard held and looked to be in superb conditions despite all his travels. 
After yesterday's empty turf, the Sha Tin track suddenly became a hive of activity as the South Africans, on their way back to quarantine, met the incoming Japanese contenders, with Gordon Lord Byron (Ire) (Byron {GB}) also appearing just for good measure. Epiphaneia (Jpn) (Symboli Kris S) and Uncoiled (Fr) (Giant's Causeway) continued their steady workouts on the all-weather, with both doing a lap at a walk before proceeding at a steady canter for the second circuit. Epiphaneia's trainer Katsuhiko Sumii was on hand to watch his colt's final workout. Sumii, who trained Epiphaneia's dam, Cesario (Jpn) (Special Week {Jpn}), to victory in the GI American Oaks, was satisfied with his charge, explaining that he prefers to do all the work at home before traveling with his horses. With victories in the U.S., Dubai, Hong Kong and Australia, Sumii is no stranger to winning big international events, and hence Epiphaneia is considered to be the main danger by most of the rival trainers. 
Uncoiled's trainer, Yoshito Yahagi, with his customary hat firmly in place, pronounced his horse fit and ready to race. Language is often a barrier when it comes to the Japanese, but the smile on Yahagi's face spoke volumes. The Audemars Piguet QE II Cup may only sport a field of 10 runners, but with the four main contenders drawn side-by-side in barriers three to six and Uncoiled likely to set a fast pace up front, a scintillating contest awaits.