Many of the contenders for the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races took to Sha Tin's dirt and turf tracks on Thursday morning for some maintenance gallops. Despite rains earlier in the morning, the all-weather track and turf course were both fast. After the workouts, connections gathered in the spacious walking ring for the post position draw.
Jockey Frankie Dettori was aboard Hong Kong Vase and Cartier Horse of the Year Ouija Board. She was timed 22.8 seconds for her 400 meter (about 1/4 mile) run through the stretch. Trainer Ed Dunlop said, "No problems there with the draw and I can tell you that Frankie said she was awesome this morning so that's good enough for me. The signs are good. Her bodyweight is right and I just hope that it's not one race too many. We would like a good pace. Sha Tin's mile-and-a-half is easier than the one in Tokyo and Frankie rides it brilliantly." She drew post 2 for Sunday's race, the final start in her career before retirement to broodmare duty.
