Board Bids For Cup Glory

Ed Dunlop believes Ouija Board should be more than capable of handling the step down in trip in Sunday's Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup in Hong Kong.

The five-year-old will bag a #70,000 bonus if she can follow up her success in last December's Hong Kong Vase with victory in the 10-furlong event at Sha Tin.

Ouija Board, already a four-time Group One winner, was a slightly disappointing fourth in the Dubai Sheema Classic last month and Dunlop is hoping for an improved show.

'She was drawn eight over a mile and a half last time (in Dubai) and she's drawn eight this time which is more favourable than some of the other fancied runners so we're happy with it,' he said.

'My fundamental concern is a potential lack of pace in the race.'

Ouija Board has done most of her winning over 12 furlongs but Dunlop is untroubled by the shorter distance as she has already has form at a mile and a quarter.

'She's won a Breeders' Cup over a mile and three, she's been placed over a mile and a quarter and won over the trip so I would hope she can handle the trip,' Dunlop explained to At The Races.

'The boys have done a great job ? she looks very relaxed. It's warm here but it doesn't worry her, she doesn't sweat very much so she looks as happy as ever.'

Ouija Board is not the only British-trained raider as David Elsworth's enigmatic performer Norse Dancer also takes his chance.

The six-year-old has yet to strike at the highest level but he came close when second in last year's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes and two Group One races in 2004.

Elsworth's runner will have a new rider aboard this time with Darryll Holland taking over from John Egan.

'He's a lovely horse. He's been second three times in a Group One ? he's got terrific form and I think it's about time his turn came this year,' said Holland.

'He's got the filly (Ouija Board) to beat. She's obviously won out there and my horse has run out there too. He liked the ground but he got very badly hampered.

'It's a very tough race but Ouija Board and my fellow are 100%.'

? PA Sport