Trainer Ed Dunlop feels Red Cadeaux could have better luck on the second leg of his Far Eastern adventure in Sunday's Longines Hong Kong Vase.

This has not been a successful overseas journey for the globetrotter, who was second in last year's Melbourne Cup and later took third in this race. Back for a return visit to Flemington, the chestnut was only eighth off a slow pace, while he could only manage to fill the same position when taking in an additional visit to the Japan Cup.

"The horse is in better shape than he was in Japan," said Dunlop, who watched Red Cadeaux work six furlongs on the Sha Tin grass.

"I am not too concerned that he's lost any zest for it (racing) after what I saw this morning.

"He may lack the class of one or two of his rivals but he's a tough, old street-fighter and he'll give his all."

One of those rivals with more than a bit of class is the filly Dancing Rain, and trainer William Haggas believes conditions are going to suit the dual Oaks winner perfectly. Off for almost a year before her comeback at Ascot, she again worked under the trainer's wife Maureen.

William Haggas said: "She travelled OK and doesn't need to do a lot of work. I might be wrong but if she's not ready by now, she never will be. I think she's improved since Ascot which was her first run back and also on very soft ground. The drying conditions are certainly in her favour."

Haggas also has Master Of Hounds going in the Hong Kong Mile. A winner on his debut for the Newmarket trainer in Turkey, he then chased home Frankel - from a distance - in the Champion Stakes.

The trainer went on: "I am very happy with him. He's well and might be underestimated - remember he was a Group One winner when with Mike De Kock.

"He's very talented and you can pretty well forget his last start - at Ascot - which was over 2000m (10 furlongs) on soft ground. He wants 1600m (a mile) on fast ground so everything should be right on Sunday."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests