2010 Hong Kong Cup Could be a Two-Horse Race

A number of classy contenders are lining up for this one and that's more than understandable as we've got the world's second-richest thoroughbred race set to unfold at Sha Tin early Sunday morning. It's been tight-going in the antepost market as little has separated the globe-trotting turfist Vision D'Etat (Chichicastenago) and Irish-bred Snow Fairy (Intikhab). The latter of the pair scored on her first go in Asia with a victory in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup, but that was against a pack of local fillies and mares- not the star-studded cast she'll face in the Gold Cup. 

Defending champion Vision D'Etat is a justifiable favourite that can still be had at a quality price with listings of anywhere from 9/4 to 3/1 depending on the bookmaker. A disappointing tilt at the Dubai World Cup and a poor showing in the Arc De Triomphe against Sea the Stars (Cape Cross) are the only real poor showings we've seen from this flashy bay and the simple fact remains that he hits at 66% on the turf, lifetime. He lost last time out to Twice Over (Observatory) in the Emirates Airlines Champion Stakes at Newmarket back in October, but he was still well ahead of the rest and the second place showing is nothing to be ashamed of after being hampered with about four furlongs left, he recovered nicely and showed some good early speed on the day. 

Interestingly enough, there are no Godolphin runners in this year's Cup and that's a bit weird as Saeed Bin Suroor has taken it twice and Frankie Dettori has conquered this one three times. 
 

Collection (Peintre Celebre) is a Sha Tin specialist but he hasn't been in good form this year with a string of forgettable results since he took the Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup back in February. He's got the course and distance ability but just hasn't looked in good nick but it appears punters still think he could make a statement with a relatively-competitive 6/1 price tag.