Reel back in familiar surroundings Trainer Aidan O'Brien's travelling head lad Pat Keating reports Ballydoyle' Hong Kong team to be in good heart ahead of Sunday's big meeting at Sha Tin. Longines Hong Kong Cup hopeful Deauville followed Vase contender Highland Reel in a lap of the all-weather track at Sha Tin. Highland Reel is in familiar surroundings, having won the Vase in 2015 and second in 2016. "He knows he's back here in Hong Kong, and he likes this place," said Keating. "Davy (Bergin, work rider) is happy with him." Australian jockey Sam Clipperton has been booked to ride Robin Of Navan in the Cup. Trainer Harry Dunlop's wife Christina, who is supervising the four-year-old's preparation, gave the reasons behind the decision to opt for Hong Kong-based Clipperton. "When we've taken Robin Of Navan abroad, we've looked to local riders and it has tended to pay off, especially with the post positions to consider," she said. "Harry's brother Ed has won three HKIR races (Ouija Board, Snow Fairy and Red Cadeaux), and we've had lots of helpful advice from him and Robin Trevor-Jones who always accompanied Ed's horses to Hong Kong. "As to his condition, Robin Of Navan is eating and drinking well and is nearly back to his optimum weight." The four-year-old enjoyed light exercise and a five-furlong canter on the all-weather track on Tuesday morning.
