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It’s that time again when Hong Kong’s big guns start to roll out ahead of December’s International Races with Sunday’s Sha Tin Trophy boasting a clutch of star horses flexing their muscles

The exciting mile handicap is the starting point this term for reigning Horse of the Year Military Attack and the ever popular California Memory.

Both horses are likely to chart an identical course towards the G1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on December 8 via the Jockey Club Cup (2000m) on November 17.

Trainer Tony Cruz is particularly happy with the condition of California Memory as he prepares the seven-year-old for a planned tilt at an unprecedented third straight win in the Hong Kong Cup.

The Highest Honor gelding, Hong Kong’s champion stayer, appeared to be in good heart for his seasonal return when he closed ominously well from the rear to run second in a 1200m all weather barrier trial at Sha Tin on October 15.

“I was very happy with his trial last week, he came home very strong and Matthew Chadwick was very happy with him,” said Cruz of his charge, who won this race first-up in 2011 with a trademark last-to-first sweep.

“From what we’re seeing, he is very healthy, everything has gone according to plan, the only thing is that the mile is a bit short for him but it’s the only race to go for. Last year he ran well to be fifth and this race will lead up nicely to the international trial in November – he won that last year and that will be more suitable for him.”

Cruz also has the talented Pure Champion among the 12 entries and he expects last season’s Centenary Vase winner to be in the thick of the action.

“Pure Champion is in fine form,” he said. “He’s in tip-top condition, he just needs a good alley and as long as he gets that I think he’s got a good chance.”

Alongside Military Attack, winner of the QEII Cup and Singapore Airlines International Cup in the spring, trainer John Moore has entered last season’s Champions Mile victor Dan Excel, who was a spot behind California Memory in his recent barrier trial.

The trainer is also represented by dual Champions Mile victor Xtension and the classy stayer Dominant.

Meanwhile, Caspar Fownes has an exciting duo in Rainbow Chic and Champions Mile runner-up Helene Spirit.

The former has been allotted a feather-weight 113lbs and had no luck in the run when fourth to fellow entrant Gold-Fun in the National Day Cup on October 1.

“I think he was for sure the winner that day, that’s obviously my opinion. I just think we’ll see how he goes on Sunday,” said Fownes of the four-year-old who has always looked potentially top-class.

“He trialled very nicely last week and pulled up good so we just need a half decent gate and with 113lbs he’s the one you would want to be on. He’s really come on and I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of him during the course of the season, he’s pretty exciting.”

Helene Spirit was a game third in the National Day Cup under 133lbs and Fownes is hoping for another consistent effort.

“He had top-weight last time and ran extremely well so it’s a bit of a relief having the big horse (Military Attack) in there. Stepping back up to the 1600 metres is going to really suit him and he should be there with a place chance” Fownes said.