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There wasn't a huge amount of action on the track this morning.

We were hoping that Flaming Rib would do parade ring schooling but in the end he didn't so we could not get to have a close look at Michael Owen's sprinter. Michael Owen isn't in Hong Kong as he has football commentary duties over the weekend and Hugo Palmer, his trainer had a delayed departure from England as his plane was held on the runway for two hours.

Flaming Rib was going great guns and this year started well winning the Sprint in Doha but ran a shocker in Dubai without any discernible reason so he will be seeking redemption here.  Tom Marquand has been booked for the ride – he arrives later as he could be riding at Sandown on Saturday.

Marquand will also be on Dubai Honour and his trainer arrived safely and made it to the reception in the evening.  Haggas has said that the reports from his staff is that the horse is well and happy.  He's at a loss to understand why some reports say that the horse won't like Hong Kong's firm going when he won the Ranvet on firm ground.  He's improved since his fourth in the Longines Hong Kong Cup in December 2021 and has drawn gate 1which could get him into a good position in the one race where the draw is actually important.

We will provide a more detailed preview of the three G1 races – there's been a bit of drizzle in the mornings but nothing to affect the track with Sunday looking to be good.