Australian representative Shogun Lodge caught the eye in one of his final preparations for the Mile yesterday when he galloped on the course proper over 800 metres. The consistent son of Grand Lodge breezed home in the final quarter in 22.2 seconds and was most impressive in the way he hit the line. He was disappointing last year in the Hong Kong Cup, but he appears to have come back this year better prepared and looks in good shape.
Japan hold a strong contingent this year and one of their main chances has to be Agnes Digital, who worked with plenty of zest over 1,200 metres, striding out in the final quarter in 21.8 seconds. He is entered for the Hong Kong Cup and, while not one of the better-looking individuals, he obviously has the class to win.
John Size worked Electronic Unicorn over 800 metres, gliding home in the final quarter in 23.4 seconds. It was a typical piece of work from one of Size's horses and, without being overly impressive, he looks to be holding his condition. The main local hope appears to be ticking over nicely in his preparation.
Hong Kong Sprint entry Nuclear Debate, who has been rather disappointing on his last two visits, was also given a solid hitout over 400 metres to record 21.9 seconds. He looks in better condition than last year and may be ready to show his real worth.
Stay Gold is the early favourite for the Hong Kong Vase following a creditable fourth in the Japan Cup and he worked solidly over 1,200 metres in his first real gallop since arriving. The well-bred son of Sunday Silence was asked to extend in the final quarter, where he clocked 22.5 seconds.
On the local front, Lawrie Fownes' Kenwood Melody was given a solid 800-metre gallop by his rider Wendyll Woods. He cruised home in the final 400 metres in 23.1 seconds but, while it was solid work, he often impresses in his morning gallops.
