Byron bids for Mile prize Gordon Lord Byron will be out to improve on his fourth place in the Longines 2012 Hong Kong Mile when he lines up in this year's renewal. Tom Hogan's charge won the six-furlong Sprint Cup at Haydock back in September but he also claimed a mile event at Leopardstown in August and his trainer believes he is even better equipped to deal with the longer trip this term. Hogan said: "The horse is much stronger this year, he's really developed through the past 12 months and he's done well here in Hong Kong. I would say he's absolutely spot on." Willie Mullins was on hand to watch Simenon breeze and he will be partnered by Ryan Moore in the Hong Kong Vase. Moore won on him twice at Royal Ascot in 2012 but Richard Hughes was in the saddle when Simenon finished fourth in Melbourne and unplaced in the Japan Cup last time. Mullins said: "He's a good traveller and very well in himself. I also think it is a big plus that we have got Ryan Moore. He has had great success on the horse in the past but he hasn't been available to ride him for some time." The Fugue tops the ante-post market following her excellent second in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita last month. The four-year-old was beaten just half a length by Magician on that occasion and trainer John Gosden is delighted with her current condition. He said: "There's a nice bounce to her now. She's full of herself and just wants to get on with it. I took it quietly with her earlier in the week because I wanted her to get over her travel. "She was only beaten by a brilliant horse in the Breeders' Cup Turf last time." The Fugue enjoyed a canter on Saturday morning and big-race jockey William Buick is also more than satisfied with the filly. He said: "She felt good this morning and seems to be in good form. It's maybe a lot of travelling going to America and back to England and then here but she travelled over well and seems to be showing the right signs." Mount Athos cantered on the all-weather and his team are hoping for a big run from the Melbourne Cup third. Sarah Cumani, wife of trainer Luca, said: "I'm very pleased with the way he looks and we're quietly confident he can run to his best on Sunday."
