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HONG KONG: International Races Hit By Withdrawals

3 minute read

A growing list of big name entries continue to be withdrawn from the international races at Sha Tin on December 11.

Big UK-trained drawcards Excelebration and Snow Fairy were ruled out early this week but the list has grown rapidly with withdrawals notified from Japan and the US.

Dubai World Cup winner Victoire Pisa will miss the Hong Kong Cup after a poor run in the Japan Cup last Sunday.

Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf winner Perfect Shirl and Arc runner-up Shareta join Snow Fairy as scratching from the HK Vase.

Redwood, runner up to Mastery in last year's Vase, has been named as a replacement along with 2010 z Hong Kong Derby winner Super Satin and Super Pistachio.

Redwood finished second in both the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan and the G2 Princess Of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket earlier this year.

Top US sprinter Regally Ready has been scratched from the G1 Hong Kong Sprint. The John Size-trained Rich Unicorn will take his place in the 1200m event.

Excelebration's withdrawal from the Hong Kong Mile has allowed the Dennis Yip-trained Fat Choy Oohlala to join the field.

On the positive side Japan Cup fourth placegetter Trailblazer is a confirmed visitor for the Vase as is French-trained Canadian International winner Sarah Lynx, despite finishing twelfth in the Japan Cup.

The HKJC has also issued an invitation to Jaguar Mail, third in the Japan Cup, for the Vase.

If he accepts it will be his fourth successive visit to run the Vase. He has finished in the first four in his three previous attempts.