Free Eagle's HK mission going smoothly Free Eagle enjoyed a routine canter on the Sha Tin all-weather ahead of his appearance in the Hong Kong Cup on Sunday. The Prince Of Wales's Stakes hero, sixth in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on his latest outing, is set to retire to stud after this weekend's assignment. Patrick O'Brien, travelling head lad for trainer Dermot Weld, said: "He's put back on the five kilos he lost travelling over here and his weight is spot-on. "He's eating and drinking well, which is what you want to see. "It is still the plan that Pat (Smullen) will have a sit on him on Friday and his trainer will be in town by then. "I hope he can end his career on a high." There is a strong European team in the Hong Kong Vase, including Sir Michael Stoute's Canadian International hero Cannock Chase. The four-year-old cantered 1,000 metres on the turf under Gary Corney on Wednesday. Travelling head lad James Savage said: "He's in good shape - as good as he was in Canada. This is only his second trip abroad but he's a sensible horse." The Aidan O'Brien-trained Highland Reel took to the Sha Tin turf track for the first time under regular rider David Hannigan, who said: "All good - he's a happy horse."
