Dubai World Cup night runners Highland Reel and Big Orange experienced contrasting fortunes at Thursday’s post position draw ahead of their clash in the Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Highland Reel, who was fourth in the Dubai Sheema Classic in March under Sunday’s rider Ryan Moore, was drawn wide in stall 10 of 14 in the 2,400-metre contest, while Dubai Gold Cup runner-up Big Orange was placed in stall seven.
Both horses have a long history of front-running, and with Japanese raider Smart Layer, who was handed post position 13, and local runner Helene Happy Star drawn in six, there could well be a bun fight for the lead.
And connections were not backing down, either.
Michael Bell was on hand to underline that Big Orange, who remains on course for a return to Meydan in March, is certain to go forward under Damian Lane.
“Lucky seven – that suits,” Bell said. “Big Orange wants a true pace over 2400m and we will definitely be on the pace. And Ryan Moore is too good a jockey to go on a suicide mission by taking us on. Racing is not an exact science but in the normal course of events we will go forward.”
Smart Layer’s trainer was equally bullish about taking the race by the scruff of the neck.
“This horse is a good starter, so I think the draw won’t be an issue,” trainer Ryuji Okubo said. “If we have a good break, we’ll have a good chance.”
Moore also suffered a wide draw for his Hong Kong Cup mount Maurice, the hot favourite for the feature race of the four Hong Kong International races.
The Japanese raider was drawn in stall eight with compatriot and major rival A Shin Hikari in gate one.
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