Hong Kong Sunday: Japanese factor key to international races

Traditionally, the large contingent of Handicappers, who assemble in Hong Kong for their annual meeting to finalise the world rankings, know that the International Race Meeting at Sha Tin will not have a dramatic impact on their figures.

Global racing's grand finale in Hong Kong is usually an end-of-season celebration of what has been achieved throughout the year, a send-off that merely requires a tinkering with the ratings, if any at all, based on the results.

But, I would contend, that is not the case this year. There are several key horses, who could all benefit from being seen just once more for the season by the official assessors.

Let's start with the G1 Vase, over 2,400m -- Highland Reel, who is arguably the most successful globetrotter of recent years, is given a chance to confirm his prowess at the distance, following on from a second in the G1 Arc at Chantilly and a fine win in the G1 Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita.

Some questioned whether the Ballydoyle stalwart's Turf triumph was the result of a tactical masterclass delivered by jockey Seamie Heffernan, or vindication of an impressive G1 portfolio that also included victory in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July.

On form, Highland Reel should win, and win well. He is a cut above Big Orange, Silverwave and the Japanese contender Sotono Crown. This is an opportunity for Highland Reel to silence any doubters and to confirm a high ranking.

The G1 Sprint is one the locals like to win, and I can see the John Moore-trained Not Listenin'tome, with Hugh Bowman in the saddle, being hard to beat from barrier 4, but Takedown , winner of the G1 Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot (WA), is in great form and also one to watch.

The remaining international races are the most fascinating and offer the chance for horses to improve their overall ratings, particularly the Japanese.

In the G1 Mile, both Logotype and Satono Aladdin can establish their claims at this level, while former local champion Able Friend has a difficult task from outside barrier 14, but if by some miracle he won, his place in the rankings would move higher.

The G1 Cup, though, is where the biggest changes could occur. A Shin Hikari, last year's winner, needs a big win to re-establish himself, while Maurice, winner of last year's G1 Mile, can take himself into a new league by landing this. Lovely Day, to a lesser extent, is also capable of improving his position.

There is plenty at stake, and plenty for the learned Handicappers and assessors to debate when they meet in Hong Kong next week.