香港競馬　澳門競馬コミュのCathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase - 2400M (Int'l Group 1)

MARAAHEL
Excellent finish 1.5Ls back in 3rd in CXHK Cup last term; has at least held this form in 2006, although a first Gr.1 success remains elusive after nine tries. Successful in Gr.2 and Gr.3 races this term from 2000m to 2400m, though best when a short-head 2nd in the G1 Juddmonte International, his second time to place in this event. Beaten 300m out in the Irish Champion Stakes at latest start. Can break slowly, races held up, usually visored.

COLLIER HILL
Remarkable career: from NHF bumper winner to mid-ranking flat handicapper, then from hurdler to top class globetrotting stayer at the age of 7 and 8. Finished 2nd and 3rd in the last two Dubai Sheema Classics, but highpoints are an Irish St Leger win last term and, particularly, his Canadian International (Gr.1-2400m) most recently (Vase rival Kastoria well behind). Has also won Group races in Germany and Sweden. Handles any going but prefers quicker tracks, very genuine and consistent.

EGERTON
Smart German stayer but yet to win in eight Gr.1 attempts although he has twice finished runner-up in the 2004 Grosser Preis von Baden and this year's Preis von Europa, both over 2400m; hung right under pressure in the latter and beaten a half-length. Sole Pattern victory came in July in a Gr.2 over 2400m. Will need a career best and more besides to figure in a field of this depth. Settles around midfield and best form on top of the ground.

SCORPION
Top class, lightly raced stayer; had an excellent 3yo season, winning the St Leger, the GP de Paris; also fine 2nd in Irish Derby. Missed a year (reportedly fractured a pastern) after unplaced in the 2005 Arc. Just two starts in 2006: a creditable Listed 2nd on reappearance, then racing too close to the fast pace in the Breeders' Cup Turf and finishing a one-paced yet creditable 5th. Leads or close-up in the run; acts on any ground but best on good or faster.

SATURN
Well-established local stayer; finished 10th in this event last year beaten 5.3Ls; career best remains landing Gr.3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup at this trip in May 2005.
Running very well this campaign over distances shy of his optimum and ran a decent 2nd to Hello Pretty in CX International Cup Trial on Nov 12. Usually leads or at least races to the fore; handles any surface.

SYLLABUS
Enjoying a rich vein of form and now at a career-high mark after two wins from two over 1800m and 2000m in Class 2 this campaign. All well and good, but he must somehow bridge a huge gulf in class against many of the world's best stayers on his first Group start. Stamina for the 2400m is not an issue and he has won on wet and fast tracks. Settles around midfield. Engaged in a Class 1 over 1800m this weekend.

OUIJA BOARD
Recently voted European Horse of the Year, the first dual winner of that title - ample confirmation of her status as one of the modern greats. Seven-time Gr.1 winner, including two Breeders' Cup F&M titles, two Oaks, the Prince Of Wales's Stakes and a romp in this race last December (unlucky reversal in APQEII Cup here and in Eclipse Stakes since). Better than ever, very game and reliable. Races held up, handles any going. Engaged in Japan Cup.

KASTORIA
Unraced until 4yo but soon developed into a high-class stayer. Improved again this year, narrowly winning a Gr.3 over 2800m from Vase rival Collier Hill and finest moment on penultimate start in G1 Irish St Leger (2800m), heading Yeats, Europe's champion stayer, 150m out to stay on well. Finished with less of a flourish in G1 Canadian International and well beaten in 8th behind Collier Hill. Best form beyond 2400m, adaptable to any going and races held up in midfield or further back.

FREEDONIA
Talented, lightly raced 4yo mare, impressive in Prix de Pomone (Gr.2-2600m) in August and might have finished 2nd to Mandesha in Gr.1 Vermeille (2400m) with a clearer run. Well beaten by 4.5Ls into 2nd in a Gr.1 in New York by triple Gr.1 winner and subsequent Breeders' Cup Turf 3rd, English Channel. Races from midfield or further back and met with fast ground for first time in America, best form on a good surface. Engaged in Japan Cup.

SHAMDALA
Commendable 4th in this race last year, 3.5Ls behind Ouija Board; has largely maintained a high level form this season from 2400m to 4000m peaking with a Gr.1 win in Italy (not the strongest form race) and Gr.2 at 3200m in France from a subsequent Gr.1 winner. Thorough stayer and only the very tough Sergeant Cecil held her narrowly in the G1 Prix du Cadran. Usually ridden with patience, acts on all types of going.

ADMIRE MAIN
Very smart stayer, placed in two legs of the Japanese Triple Crown this year, running a neck 2nd in the Derby (2400m) and 3rd to rival Song Of Wind in the St Leger (3000m) last time out having led by over 10Ls at one point. Wasn't fully wound up for the September outing in between. Previously won a JapanGr.3 at 2000m and JapanGr.2 at 2400m in March to earn favouritism for the Derby. Best on fast ground and is a confirmed front-runner.

SONG OF WIND
Began career on dirt but better displays on turf, placed at JapanGr.2 and JapanGr.3 level at middle distances before causing a major surprise by stepping straight up to 3000m and coming from the tail of the field to win the third leg of the Japanese Triple Crown, the St Leger (3000m JapanGr.1) on October 22 in track record time. Can race from any position and very consistent – has never finished out of the frame.

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