Eddie Lynam is keeping his fingers crossed Sole Power can make it fourth-time lucky in the Longines Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on Sunday.
The multiple Group One-winning sprinter finished ninth on his first visit to the Far East four years ago, but fared better when runner-up to Lord Kanaloa in 2013.
However, he was well-beaten again 12 months ago and Lynam is keen for conditions to dry out ahead of his latest appearance in the six-furlong contest.
After seeing his charge exercise on the Sha Tin all-weather track, the trainer said: “He just lapped around the track a couple times today and he’ll probably do something similar tomorrow.
“We will just give him a feel of the grass on Friday. Hopefully it’s not too loose or too slippery if this rain blows away.
“He’s been here three times but hasn’t enjoyed the track yet. Each time, the jockeys who have ridden him have said he didn’t handle going right as well as they had hoped, that he was a little intimidated and ran a little bit in snatches.
“Hopefully the fourth time will be lucky.”
Sole Power’s fellow Irish raider Free Eagle also enjoyed a routine canter on the all-weather ahead of his appearance in the Hong Kong Cup.
Five kilos
Patrick O’Brien, travelling head lad for trainer
Dermot Weld
, said: “He’s put back on the five kilos he lost travelling over here and his weight is spot-on. He’s eating and drinking well, which is what you want to see.
“It is still the plan that Pat (Smullen) will have a sit on him on Friday and his trainer will be in town by then. I hope he can end his career on a high.”
There is a strong European team in the Hong Kong Vase, including Sir Michael Stoute’s Canadian International hero Cannock Chase. The four-year-old cantered 1000 metres on the turf under Gary Corney yesterday.
Travelling head lad James Savage said: “He’s in good shape, as good as he was in Canada. This is only his second trip abroad but he’s a sensible horse.”
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Highland Reel took to the Sha Tin turf track for the first time under regular rider David Hannigan, who said: “All good, he’s a happy horse.”
The French-trained trio of Cirrus Des Aigles, Dariyan and Flintshire all exercised ahead of the Vase.
Corine Barande-Barbe’s Cirrus Des Aigles cantered on the all-weather under work rider Zoe Gargouland, while Alain de Royer-Dupre’s Dariyan did the same before galloping on the turf course.
“The horse seems to be in good form and he is looking well,” said de Royer-Dupre.
“Whether he is good enough I don’t know, but we’ll find out on Sunday. His run behind New Bay at Deauville in August was a good effort and we gave him time after that.
Good experience
“He’s developed and matured since then and this will be good experience for him.”
Flintshire repeated his exercise routine of previous days under regular work rider Annelie Ackerman.
David O’Meara’s Breeders’ Cup runner-up Mondialiste and the Richard Hannon-trained Toormore are the two British challengers in the Hong Kong Mile.
After seeing Mondialiste canter one lap on the all-weather track, O’Meara’s assistant Fearghal Davis said: “Steady away, one lap today. To be fair, he seems to be thriving with travel.
“He feels as good as ever. He’s freshening up well and eating and drinking well, so he’s doing everything right.”
