Ramonti's Hong Kong odds cut

Hong Kong: Ramonti was handed a plum draw in the Godolphin horse's bid to cap a fantastic year with victory in Sunday's Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup.

After being drawn in the middle stall four of seven contenders connections were bullish about the chances of the winner of the Queen Anne Stakes, Sussex Stakes and QE II Stakes.

Europe's champion miler has been campaigned almost exclusively over that distance in his 18-race career but steps up to 10 furlongs for the first time at Sha Tin.

Trainer Saeed Bin Surour, who is seeking to add to previous wins in the former colony with Fantastic Light in 2000 and Firebreak in 2004, said he did not believe the extra distance would be a problem for Ramonti.

"Although he's won three Group Ones over a mile we think he needs further so we're giving it a try," he said.

"If he goes well, it will give us an idea for future races. I have some confidence he will run well because his work in Dubai last Saturday was very good. I'm hoping he will lead in the race and relax in front."

British bookmaker William Hill reacted to Ramonti's draw by cutting the five-year-old to 2-1 in the betting from 9-4, second favourite behind local star Viva Pataca at 11-10 and ahead of Sheema Classic winner Vengeance Of Rain at 4-1.

In the Hong Kong mile, where Ramonti would have been a short-priced favourite should he have been entered, the draw was not so kind to Godolphin's Creachadoir, who was handed stall 12 of 13.

That means the colt's work will be cut out in a competitive encounter that also includes Excellent Art, French filly Darjina and Japanese hope Kongo Rikishio.

But the son of King's Best has taken a liking to his Sha Tin surroundings and the 8-1 shot has live chances of running a place at least.

Bin Surour said: "He has settled in nicely and he's going to be a good horse for us. It's a strong race but he will run well."