The $6.5-million International Vase could fall apart following miserable performances from three Sha Tin-bound runners in yesterday's $20-million Japan Cup in Tokyo.
Luso, to be ridden by Michael Kinane and bidding for a third consecutive Vase, finished five lengths last in the field of 15, and there was no joy for German challengers Ungaro and Caitano.
Ungaro finished 11th and has been under a cloud because of a reported temperature, while Caitano looked leg weary as he toiled in eighth.
The race, which was bet on here as race four on the Sha Tin programme, resulted in a clean sweep for Japanese horses with the 2,400-metre Group One event going to El Condor Pasa.
Concerned director of racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges will be in contact with Japan this morning but said last night: 'It is not very encouraging. I have no idea about Luso because I don't think anyone expected him to run like that.' If there are two defections from the 2,400-metre Vase from the trio that ran in Japan, their places will go to English stayer Fruits Of Love, trained by Mark Johnston, and the Australian hopeful Oregon Star, in the care of 80-year-old training wizard George Hanlon.
If there are any other defections, former Derby winner Che Sara Sara and yesterday's St Andrew's Challenge Quaich winner, Monza, are on standby.
