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SCMP Reporter

'This is his first trip overseas and my first runner outside of Japan but it looks like Durandal enjoys the travelling. He is a very relaxed horse, quite easy to do anything with. He also sweats a lot and, when the weather is warm, sweats even more. The warmer climate in Hong Kong is really suiting him.'

Masahiro Sakaguchi, trainer of Durandal.

'He's a class horse but we have only had him for six weeks so it is a big ask.'

David Hayes, trainer of Oriental Magic

'He is in good condition. You can expect a better performance from him than in last year's Hong Kong Mile.'

Goro Nagashima, travelling lad of Telegnosis.

'He's not run since winning the Challenge Stakes in October, but it is well known that he is at his best when he is fresh. We're certain he'll run his usual genuine race.'

Godolphin head lad Sam Avis, of Firebreak.

'I'm happy with the progress he's made. We didn't know how he would adapt to Hong Kong, or how quickly he would make his presence felt but as he trained well, we thought it was well worth our trying him. He's already proved he's a proper Group One horse and I'm sure he won't disgrace himself.'

John Size, trainer of Grand Zulu.

'He hasn't run in a Group One so it's difficult to know if he is good enough. But now I look at the other horses here and I see some who have had a tough year and I see my horse is very happy. Sometimes it is the fresh horse who wins, not the best one.'

Andreas Schutz, trainer of Eagle Rise.

'He's very well, and everything is good right now. He's ready for Sunday.' Ralph Suerland, trainer of Martillo.

'It's all a bit new for him, the travel and it's very different here from home. He's not really been as relaxed as I would have liked, so we'll have to see how he goes.'

Alain de Royer-Dupre, trainer of Valentino.

'He had a track accident six weeks ago, didn't work for 10 days and missed what was supposed to be his first-up run. He trialled well and I've been delighted with his work, but he has a tough job from wide in the draw.'

David Oughton, trainer of Figures.

'He's very honest and I've stopped being surprised by how he lifts himself to new challenges, but this is a very tough race and it hasn't been made any easier by the draw.'

Caspar Fownes, trainer of The Duke.

'As an eight-year-old it is probably hoping for too much to think he could win but he is still racing very well and deserves his chance.'

David Hayes, trainer of Meridian Star.

'He went brilliantly. It was the work of a Group One horse.'

Felix Coetzee, jockey of Perfect Partner.

'We learned a lot about him in America last start. If we have him right on the day, it is very possible the best is yet to be come.'

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Antonius Pius.



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