Hong Kong Vase and Cup (G1)

Ballydoyle sends the Derby winner Anthony Van Dyke and Mount Everest to contest the Hong Vase with Magic Wand contesting the Hong Kong Cup.

All three are Galileo offsprings and when fit and healthy Aidan likes to ask questions of them, he knows the class that’s in them, while Magic Wand has been to every dance this year, Mount Nelson only made his seasonal debut in September, he’s had four runs winning one, the Trigo Stakes at Leopardstown. He must have had a set back earlier in the year as he was considered to be very classy last year as a juvenile, he went off favourite for the Beresford, beaten a short head by Japan.

Anthony Van Dyke hasn’t won since Epsom, beaten by Sovereign at the Curragh in the Irish Derby, he was hammered at Ascot in the King Geroge beating only one home, Magic Wand, he then ran third to Magical in the Irish Champion Stakes, (Magic Wand second) and in the Breeders Cup Turf at Santa Anita he was an unlucky third to Bricks and Mortar with Mount Everest a length behind him in sixth.

Magic Wand will have her twelveth run this year, on the go since January, she’s travelled the world, America, Dubai, England, Ireland, Australia and now Hong Kong. She’s mixed it with the best, second in Pegasus World Cup Turf, second in the Man o’ War Stakes, second in the Pretty Polly, second in Arlington Millon, second in the Irish Champion Stakes she finally cracked the G1 nut in the Mackinnon Stakes last time out at Flemention.

A win here will see top her stablemate Magical in the PRWC Horse 2019 which would be fitting as these championships are designed to reward consistency at the highest level.

All three are attractive in the market, in the Vase, Anthony Van Dyck is a 15/2 shot with Mount Nelson an eye-catching 25/1 shot, in the Cup Magic Wand is chalked up at 3/1.