The Fugue has too much class for Hong Kong Vase rivals

The Fugue was regarded by many as a banker bet at the Breeders’ Cup last month but she was caught in the closing stages by Aidan O’Brien’s Magician. Jockey William Buick was reduced to tears by that defeat but The Hong Kong Vase looks a great opportunity to gain quick compensation.

The four-year-old filly runs in the colours of Lord and Lady Webber and had previously been a convincing winner of the Yorkshire Oaks and Irish Champion Stakes. Fast ground is vital to her chances and she looks guaranteed to have conditions in her favour this weekend.

There is a particularly strong European raiding party for this race and many of them performed with credit in the Melbourne Cup. Ed Dunlop’s Red Cadeaux finished second, Mount Athos third, Simenon fourth and Dandino ran on into fifth.

This race is over a shorter distance which is likely to suit Mount Athos and Dandino. They both have top class form over this trip and can race up with the pace.

Both horses can also be counted a little unfortunate not to have won in Australia. Ryan Moore made a rare error of judgement in sitting too far off the pace on Dandino whilst Mount Athos had to overcome a wide draw.

Simenon cut little ice in the Japan Cup and may struggle again here having proved that he stays extreme distances at Royal Ascot. Red Cadeaux will clash with his old adversary Dunedin, the horse that denied him Melbourne Cup triumph in 2011.

The least exposed horse in the field is David Wachman’s Galileo Rock who has been placed in three classics this year. He finished third to Ruler Of The World in the Epsom Derby before settling for places in the Irish equivalent and again in the St Leger.

Galileo Rock loves a fast surface and has been specially prepared for this race. He has attracted support in recent days and could be the one to give The Fugue most to do.