THE European challenge for tomorrow's Group Two Hong Kong International Bowl (7f) has been severely hit following the withdrawal of Jim Bolger's Idris. His place has been taken by Basic Instinct.

Bolger was hoping that Idris would go one better than Desert Style, second in this race last year, but the omens seem to have gone against the Irish runner from the start.

A delayed flight to Hong Kong, which took 50 hours after fog in Dublin meant Idris missing a connecting flight to Amsterdam, was then followed by a high white blood cell count.

Ed Dunlop's well backed Iktamal (Willie Ryan) is well drawn in one and may do better than Ian Balding's Tagula (Frankie Dettori), who will have to steer a wider course from the 13 berth.

Michael Kinane rides last season's New Zealand 2,000 Guineas winner, Be Boss, in this race.

However, victory may go to Australian challenger, All Our Mob, from the formidable Gai Waterhouse yard. He took the prestigious Group One McKinnon Stakes at Flemington last month.

That was over a mile and a quarter but the seven year old also boasts Group One winning form over six and seven furlongs and is clearly a very versatile, as well as classy, customer.

Michael Stoute, recently crowned champion British trainer overseas, may have further reason to celebrate by taking the Group Two International Vase (12f) with Sacrament.

Sacrament, bravery personified, has overcome injury problems this season to register Group wins in Britain and France, as well as finishing a creditable third when squeezed for room in the Irish St Leger.

He divided the St Leger winner Shantou and Strategic Choice - subsequently a good third in the Japan Cup - in a Group One prize in Milan last time and the booking of American rider Gary Stevens looks significant.

Clive Brittain's Luso (Dettori) should also run well in a field which includes France's Tarator and Germany's Protektor.