Clive Brittain remains very upbeat concerning Luso's chances of a repeat victory in the Group Two Hong Kong International Vase at Sha Tin on December 14th. The Newmarket trainer said: "We had great fun in Hong Kong last year, so we decided to freshen up Luso for the race again this year. I think he is in even better condition than last year, so he must have a tremendous chance of scoring a follow up victory." Frankie Dettori rode Luso last year but, with the Italian being required for Godolphin's Predappio, Michael Kinane comes in for the ride on a horse he knows well.
Kinane, on a high following his big win in Pilsudski in Tokyo last Sunday, is due to compete in the World Super Jockeys' Series in Japan this weekend.
Luso, bidding to end a run of four consecutive seconds, will be meeting two old foes at Sha Tin - Predappio and Protektor.
Paul Cole's Posidonas might also be heading for the for the Vase, although the Whatcombe trainer will know more after working the Gran Premio d'Italia winner at the weekend.
He said: "Posidonas has had frustrating season with pulled muscles in his back and other problems, but he is really fresh at the moment."
Godolphin's Royal Ascot winner, Allied Forces, misses the Group Two Hong Kong International Cup (9f) in the same card. His place will be taken by stable-mate Annus Mirabilis, who ran third to London News and Privilege in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, a domestic Group One event, at Sha Tin in April.
Barry Hills produced Eco Friendly to win the £24,691 Group Three Prix Saint-Roman (1m) for juveniles at Saint-Cloud yesterday. The Doncaster scorer made all in the hands of Darryll Holland to take the final French Group race of the year by eight lengths on a holding track.
Holland said: "Eco Friendly had won in similar conditions at Doncaster. He is still a bit green but is clearly progressing along the right lines."
The Mark Tompkins runner, Ten Bob (Darren Biggs), completed British celebrations by running on to take second, two lengths clear of No Lies.
Ryafan, winner of two American Grade One races for John Gosden this season, is expected to go for her third big US win in the Matriarch Stakes at Hollywood Park on Sunday.
Ryafan, the recipient of Cartier Award as the top European three-year-old filly, would also certainly also win an Eclipse award if she can take the Californian Grade One event.
