Fraar out ahead as top import danger
FRAAR, the imported galloper owned by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, only has to run up to his best Australian form to be a formidable opponent in the Invitation Cup.
Fraar is a high quality individual who has blossomed under Australian conditions. He looks Australia's best chance of taking out one of the international races at Sha Tin.
Trainer David Hayes makes no secret of his desire to win this prestige international event for Sheikh Hamdan.
He decided to forego the lucrative prize money of the Sydney carnival to have Fraar at his peak for his Sha Tin assignment.
There is no doubt Fraar would have been a contender for the A$1 million (HK$5.564 million) BMW and races like the $300,000 Ranvet Stakes and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
The chunky bay, very much a Northern Dancer type, has the speed and the dogged determination to be there at the finish.
If Hayes' opinion is right then Fraar is right up to Group 1 level - making him one of the hardest to beat under these ideal conditions.
New Zealand mare Romanee Conti raced like a horse who needed more ground in her two Sydney runs. Trainer Laurie Laxon is a master at peaking his horses for main events and he expects to have this Group 1 placegetter at her top in Hongkong.
Romanee Conti, like Fraar, will race just off the pace over 1,800 metres.
Rasputin's Revenge and On The Beach have been a little disappointing in the final lead-ups.
In the Invitation Bowl , there is little between the Australian pair Storaia and Zaparri.
Twice last year he chased home the great Schillaci in Group 1 races and this preparation he was an unlucky 3rd in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield.
Storaia also has the advantage of star apprentice Damien Oliver, a brilliant young rider with the habit of winning the main events.
The gelding's problem is that he needs cover in his races but he will sprint home hard with the right run.
Zaparri has been in amazing form, winning five of his six runs this preparation, three times setting or equalling course records.
The key to this horse is the understanding he has developed with jockey Simon Marshall, who knows perfectly how to rate him in front.
It will take a top class horse to run down an in-form Zaparri.