Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase Trackwork Update. Trainer Elie Lellouche was at Sha Tin to witness 2003 Vase heroine, Vallee Enchantee, on the turf in the company of Touch Of Land and Latice, and was hopeful that Alec Wildenstein´s filly can defend her crown on Sunday. 'I´m very happy with her, no problems thankfully. This has been her end of year target all along. We know she likes the track and the ground here, so I am hopeful she´ll go well again on Sunday,' said Lellouche. German raider Simonas performed light work on the all-weather and was described as 'a seriously good horse' by Sunday´s rider, Kieren Fallon. 'He ran a great race in the Canadian International [when second],' reported Fallon. 'I had never sat on the horse before and I went too soon in the race and he pulled up on me. I´m not saying I could have won but I definitely would have given Frankie Dettori a harder time on Sulamani had I held on to him for longer. If Sulamani were here, he would start a short-priced favourite, so on that you would have to fancy my horse, having finished such a good second to him,' he added. Senex was given a nudge by William Mongil to complete a 400m turf gallop home in 23.9 sec. 'Senex is a tough horse. He´s a real fighter. He feels well and likes the track,' said his jockey. Clive Brittain was on hand to cast his experienced eye over CXHK Vase challenger, Warrsan, third in this race in 2003, but disappointing last time in the Japan Cup. 'Warrsan cantered under his regular work rider Des Reap who is very happy with him. He has done exceptionally well since arriving here,' said Brittain. 'Nothing has come out to tell us why he ran so disappointingly in Japan, so I am putting it down to a very unfavourable wide draw. It was a huge factor. He was never able to settle into a nice position or get into a rhythm in the race. I wasn´t happy even when he went down the backstretch as although he moved up a few places he was always being pushed. 'His weight is pretty good and he has eaten well. I have no worries until the stalls open! I am very pleased to have Seb Sanders riding him. He has won on him, which makes a difference. He will have a sit on him before Sunday but he won´t be doing more than a canter around as he is fit having run just two weeks ago.' British runner Imperial Dancer, Sweet Stream, Polish Summer, third in this race last year and attempting a third Vase run, and Brian Boru all had an easy time of things on the all-weather. Trainer of the latter, Aidan O´Brien, is hopeful a strong gallop materialises in the 2400m event: 'Brian Boru has plenty of speed but he wants horses to go a good solid pace in front of him - that´s when he is at his best, when he can find himself and come home really well. The [Sha Tin] straight should suit. It takes him time to get into gear and if he gets a clear run he should run a big race.' Hong Kong runners Beethoven (Gerald Mosse) and Super Kid clocked 24.3 and 25.5 for the final 400m on the dirt. Super Kid´s trainer John Size said: 'I´m sure he will run well, but some of the European horses are seasoned and strong and have been racing in have been in tough 2400m races and they might an edge as they are match fit at this distance. With the way the programme is here, Hong Kong horses for the Vase don´t have an advantage. Also, I think he is a much better horse in the New Year when it starts to rain - he prefers a slower track.'
