French ace Gerald Mosse has a fine association with the Australian-bred and the wide alley should not cause too much concern. She is likely to drop out to the rear before unleashing her tremendous turn of foot.

Hayes also has Meridian Star and Prime Witness completing his trio of entries. The clear preference is for the former, who lost no admirers in defeat when second to Visorhill first-up. Based on that effort, he does look a winning chance, but those who know Meridian Star will be well aware he has been the bridesmaid a few times too often and another minor placing is beckoning.

Prime Witness lacks the sheer quality to win this event, but is a pace influence and could play a critical role by ensuring a solid tempo. But he is unlikely to dominate from the front, which is when he is most lethal.

An obvious threat has to be Cape Of Good Hope, who enjoyed a profitable season last term with his best effort coming in the Chairman's Sprint Prize (Gr 1) when a short-head second to Horse of The Year Grand Delight. The added bonus of having won on his seasonal reappearance last term, as well as being a winner over 1,400 metres, stands him in good stead. The slight concern is top weight of 132 pounds and whether he is good enough to carry that burden against such quality opposition.

If not pressured too much in the lead, Citizen Kane has to be considered a major chance of notching his third consecutive win. Tony Cruz has found the key to him and must be bullish about his chances of another victory after drawing gate three. Given his leg problems in the past, the firmer ground may not be ideal, but he has the quality to figure in the finish. Cruz also has Red Sun involved, though the grey has generally found this type of company a shade too rich. His form deteriorated last term, and he is best watched for the time being.

Self Flit is another front-running type who also has excellent form over the course and distance, having notched three wins and two minor placings from five starts. The runner-up to Elegant Fashion in the Derby last year, over a journey arguably at the upper limits of his stamina range, was evidence of his tenacity. He was beaten under similar conditions in the Hong Kong Classic Mile last season but over this distance must be given due respect.

He was in need of the outing on his seasonal reappearance and has the advantage of an edge in fitness on most of his rivals. It would also appear that Weichong Marwing has opted to ride Self Flit ahead of stablemates Ho Choi and Come See You.

Ho Choi signalled his quality when winning the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (1,600m) last season. There should be improvement to come from this outing, but he is more than capable of figuring in the finish. On the other hand, Singapore Classic hero Come See You should find this trip on the sharp side.

Dr More was a shade disappointing on his only outing this term when 11th to Visorhill over the course and distance. Admittedly, he may have needed the outing, but should have shown a little more spark to be a threat here. However, the market may be the best guide to his chances, and watch for any support.

Stablemate River Dancer, also from the John Size yard, is another that could feasibly be representing Hong Kong in December but over a longer journey. Interestingly, it would appear Shane Dye has opted to ride this fellow in preference to Dr More and that may be indicative of their relative chances.

Red Pepper has never been noted for positive fresh form and, although he is never far away, is hard to recommend based on his form towards the end of last season. There was nothing particularly special about his recent trial and he would do well to pick up any prize money.

Smart Winner has run with merit on both outings this term but strikes much tougher opposition and should be outclassed. Much the same applies to Thank Heavens, who needs further relief in the ratings before being entertained as a winning chance.