The Fugue shaping nicely for Vase Connections of The Fugue are getting excited about her chances of adding a fourth Group One success to her resume in the Longines Hong Kong Vase. The four year old was narrowly denied in the Breeders' Cup Turf earlier this month, being caught late by Magician and beaten half a length into second. However the team behind the horse is hopeful of a different outcome at Sha Tin on December 8. Simon Marsh, racing and bloodstock manager for owners Lord and Lady Lloyd-Webber, reported that the Dansili filly has come out of her last race well. "The Fugue had a very good trip back from the Breeders' Cup and has been absolutely fine," he said. "She is in very good form and we are very happy with her. She ran a fantastic race at Santa Anita and it was a very good performance, but that's racing." "The track and the conditions should suit her ideally in Hong Kong," continued Marsh. "She won the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, which is a right-handed track, and the ground should be fast, which she loves. The idea would be to keep her in training next year. She is very talented and we are lucky to have her." In the 19 runnings of the mile and a half Hong Kong Vase, British-trained horses have been successful on seven occasions, most recently when Red Cadeaux prevailed last year. The Fugue is due to arrive in Hong Kong on December 2 ahead of her bid to become the eighth.
