Ramonti has all to do in lucrative Hong Kong Cup

Hong Kong: Ramonti has his work cut out trying to succeed in today's Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup with local hero Viva Pataca looking hard to beat.

Godolphin's hardy five- year-old is the champion miler in Europe but will test himself over 10 furlongs at Sha Tin for the first run at the distance.

There is an element of the unknown in analysing the race with trainer Saeed Bin Surour saying: "If he stays, he wins."

It would not be any surprise if Ramonti, a horse with an indomitable spirit, wins. But with home course advantage and form in the book over the trip the initial preference has to be with Viva Pataca.

John Moore's four time Group 1 winner beat a classy field including Admire Moon and another of today's opponents in Vengeance Of Rain at Sha Tin in April over 2000 metres to confirm he is the one to beat today.

Godolphin's chances in the Hong Kong Mile took a blow when Creachadoir drew stall 12 of 13. Allied to a powerful field that includes joint favourites Excellent Art and Darjina plus Japan's Kongo Rikishio running a place would be a good effort by Frankie Dettori's mount.

Eminently possible

That is eminently possible because there are doubts over all the market leaders but the fancy is for French filly Darjina - the world's highest rated female - to show the stunning form she displayed in the Prix du Moulin when she beat a top class field of colts in September.

In the Vase it may pay to oppose Arc winner Dylan Thomas who has had a very long season even by his indefatigable standards.

A 12-hour journey from Japan - it should have taken four - won't have helped and the preference is for proven traveller and former Breeders' Cup Turf winner Red Rocks to take the 2,400 metre prize.

Finally in the Sprint, Australia sensation Miss Andretti can prove she is the best speed horse in the world by overcoming a draw in stall 12 to upset local favourite Sacred Kingdom.