LUSH LASHES will attempt to bring a memorable 2008 to a successful conclusion at Sha Tin in the early hours of tomorrow morning when she lines up for the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup.
The mile and a quarter event is the centrepiece of four Group One races at the international meeting and the Jim Bolger-Kevin Manning team are hoping to win the race for a second time following Alexander Goldrun's victory in 2004. Bolger and Manning have won seven Group One races already this year and Bolger is unconcerned about a wide draw in stall 10 of fourteen.
"I will leave it to Kevin who will be playing it be ear," Bolger said.
The triple Group One winner Lush Lashes is tackling males for the first time in her career with both the local star Viva Pataca and the ex-Aidan O'Brien-trained Eagle Mountain rated above her in ante-post betting.
Ireland's other representative is the Kevin Prendergast-trained Mores Wells who tackles last year's winner Doctor Dino in the Vase over a mile and a half. Mores Wells is a general 12 to 1 shot for the race.
Coverage of the four international races can be the seen on the "Attheraces" channel starting at 6.00 tomorrow morning.
Today's home action at Fairyhouse sees Robbie Hennessy attempt to win the two and a half mile maiden hurdle with his smart new flat recruit Kong.
The six-year-old faces a tough task on the book with the former Grade One bumper winner Mick The Man in opposition but the ex-Noel Meade-trained horse has proved desperately expensive to follow over jumps.
