The HK$8 million Citibank Hong Kong Gold Cup has been one of the flagship events of John Moore's long and successful training career.
But even getting his wish list at the barrier draw yesterday has not emboldened him to declare for an eighth win in the race. Moore has seven gold Cup trophies, stretching back to Wing Ho in 1987.
And with four victories from the last six runnings of the Gold Cup - Viva Pataca (2008, 2009), Super Kid (2006) and Collection (2010) - it is a race he knows how to win.
But even with four of the 10 runners on Sunday, Moore knows Horse of the Year Ambitious Dragon and the defending Cup winner California Memory, are two awesome rivals. Though Champions Mile winner Xtension has yet to beat Ambitious Dragon in their four meetings, Moore is hoping an ideal gate one draw gives his stable elect an upset chance to make his own luck while the two favourites stand him a start.
'Xtension has done very well on the track and I couldn't have asked for a better gate than that,' he said.
'I expect Super Pistachio will come over and take his usual role as pacemaker and that draw allows Jeff Lloyd and Xtension to get a tow into the race just behind the lead to make him a live chance. You look at the two favourites and California Memory does need luck at times with his racing style. And if Ambitious Dragon isn't quite on top of his game, like on international day, maybe Xtension is a chance to beat them.
'He'll be the one closest to the pace and kicking away and they'll have the job to run down a very fit, good quality horse.'