O'Brien double-handed in Hong Kong Cup

Aidan O'Brien is double-handed in the Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Deauville is the choice of jockey Ryan Moore, while Seamie Heffernan will be aboard War Decree.

The Ballydoyle handler said: "Deauville has had a nice break since his last run in Canada, where I think the ground didn't help him. The good ground at Sha Tin should suit him, and hopefully he'll get an even pace and get into a good rhythm.

"The dirt track at Del Mar in the Breeders' Cup Classic was all a bit too much for War Decree, but he came out of that race well, and so we decided to send him on to Hong Kong. The turf at Sha Tin should suit him much better."

British hopes lie with Andrew Balding's Blond Me, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Poet's Word and Robin Of Navan, who has done the majority of his racing in France for Harry Dunlop.

Balding said: "She's fresh after only four runs this year. If she runs up to her best, she's in there with a chance."

Bruce Raymond, racing manager for Poet's Word's owner Saeed Suhail would prefer a slight ease in the Sha Tin ground for the Irish Champion Stakes runner-up.

He said: "Although he seems to go on any type of ground, I think he would prefer it on the easy side. If there was a drop of rain, we would be more than happy, but I don't think it is a necessity. He has won on fast ground before.

"His main objective after this will be the Dubai Sheema Classic."

O'Brien also runs two in the Mile event, with Moore opting to partner Breeders' Cup runner-up Lancaster Bomber in preference to three-times Group One winner Roly Poly, who was 11th at Del Mar.

The trainer said: "We were delighted with Lancaster Bomber's run at the Breeders' Cup. He's been very consistent all year, and has come out of that last run well.

"He's only a three-year-old and his season next year will be one to look forward to. He's still improving, and may stay a bit further with time.

"Roly Poly was beaten three lengths from a wide draw in her last race, but she has come out of that race well.

"She's a very sound filly with a lovely pedigree, and she's a very enthusiastic racer."

David Simcock runs Lightning Spear, and said : "He has a little bit of an inconsistent look to him now, but on his day he is capable of a very, very good performance. We are going there with an open mind and expect him to run well."