'He moved strongly today and that proves he has maintained his best form since last time [when third in the Tenno Sho Autumn].'

HIROYOSHI MATSUDA,

trainer of Admire Mood.

'This horse has really improved a lot and I think he'll be very hard to beat.'

BRETT PREBBLE,

jockey of Hello Pretty.

'He's spot-on. He's raring to go and he will run very well - it's a beautiful gate too: he will have a trouble-free run from six.'

TONY CRUZ,

Hello Pretty's trainer.

'She took a little time to get over her trip back from the Breeders' Cup and lost a bit of weight and was very flat for a week or so. But then she started to pick up again very quickly, and when we got the invitation to Hong Kong I was able to start training her again. She's fairly easy to keep fit... and doesn't need a turf gallop.'

JEAN DE ROUALLE,

trainer of Satwa Queen.

'I can assure you this horse is as well as he can possibly be. But as to whether he can win, I really don't know. This year the Cup looks particularly strong and racing right-handed is foreign to him but I'm confident that he is much better than his last performance [when 2nd in the Gr.1 Mackinnon Stakes] and I think he can easily run in the first three.'

DAVID HAYES,

trainer of Growl.

'He has come on in leaps and bounds since his last outing. While this horse absolutely must have cover, from gate eight he has a few options. He has a very good each-way chance if Soumillon can get him in with cover.'

JOHN MOORE,

trainer of Viva Pataca.

'I just hope it won't be a slow pace and a tactical race as she can be a bit fresh and it could cause problems. But she knows this place, has had a great season and has got a big heart. Like Ouija Board, she is a star and she is very good for racing in general.'

CHRISTOPHE LEMAIRE,

jockey of Pride.