2012 Longines Hong Kong International Races Workouts

By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com Guide

Sha Tin hosts the final Group 1 flat races of the year, the Longines Hong Kong International Races, this Sunday. As usual, horses from Europe, Asia, and Australia ship in for the four Group 1 races, billed as the Turf World Championships, with the HK$20 million (about US$2.6 million) Hong Kong Cup the highlight of the afternoon, contested at 2000 meters (about 1 1/4 miles). Steady rain fell during training hours with temperatures in the low 60's. A form guide with past performances and statistics is available here.

Bayrir worked 1200 meters in 1:22.80, last 400 m in 24.9 seconds in preparation for the Vase. Trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre said, "Ten furlongs would have been ideal for him but I am confident he can do well over 2,400 metres when he meets his conditions. The track should not be an issue and I liked what I saw this morning as he finished a light mile canter on the Turf."