HONG Kong International Cup contender Verveine finished a closing fourth to American star Possibly Perfect in the Yellow Ribbon Stakes at Santa Anita, California.
Irish champion Mick Kinane, who returns to Hong Kong this morning, was ninth in the mile-and-a-quarter turf race on Market Booster. Brilliant Australian mare Let's Elope, past winner of the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, finished 10th and there were no excuses.
Verveine, who is owned by Daniel Wildenstein, is in the line-up for the International Cup representing Europe and she looked on target for a top showing on December 12 with this run.
Verveine finished a length-and-a-quarter, a head and a nose away from winner Possibly Perfect, who was officially third reserve for America when the nominated entries were released by the Jockey Club on October 28.
As the Yellow Ribbon Invitational is a Group One race, Possibly Perfect is no longer eligible for Hong Kong.
Kinane, who completes a 13,000-mile round trip when he returns today, was never able to get into the race on Market Booster, who started at 17-2. Let's Elope, formerly trained by Bart Cummings, was 13-10 favourite for the race.
