The Group One Longines Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) is down to just eight runners after Japanese raider Lord Del Rey was withdrawn from the race on Tuesday.
A $31 outsider for the HK$40 million contest, Lord Del Rey was found to be lame in his right foreleg and he joins Calandagan and Shanwah as withdrawals from the race.
Supposed to be ridden by Australian Damian Lane, Lord Del Rey’s scratching reduces Japan’s Cup presence to two runners – Bellagio Opera and Rousham Park.
Local hero Romantic Warrior is considered a $1.15 chance in overseas fixed-odds markets of claiming a record-extending fourth consecutive victory in the city’s richest race.
