A high-class Hong Kong Vase: just three pounds separate the five leading contenders

Los Angeles will break from stall 10, while Al Riffa, Urban Chic, Sosie, and the resurgent Goliath promise a truly elite 2400-meter contest

Goliath is back in Hong Kong seeking redemption / HKJC

SHA TIN, Hong Kong (Special to Turf Diario)—The LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (G1), one of the season’s marquee staying contests over 2400 meters, is shaping up as one of the most evenly matched and competitive renewals on the 2025 international calendar. Just three pounds separate the top five on official ratings, a clear signal of balance and depth as the race headlines the Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Thursday’s barrier draw left most connections satisfied—with one notable exception. Irish challenger Los Angeles(Camelot), from the powerful Aidan O’Brien yard, landed stall 10, meaning Ryan Moore will need to be proactive early to avoid being caught wide. In a tactical affair with strong rivals drawn inside, it adds an extra layer of difficulty.

The three Europeans with serious aspirations—Al Riffa, Urban Chic, and Sosie—fared much better, securing advantageous positions to race close to the tempo and save ground. Al Riffa will break from gate 2, Urban Chic from an inside draw, and Sosie from stall 8.

Among the Europeans, one of the most compelling voices in the build-up belongs to Francis-Henri Graffard, delighted with gate 4 for Goliath (Adlerflug).“He’s really well. His season hasn’t been perfect, but he could finish it in style. This week he’s moved like the horse we all want to see—happy, fluid, full of energy,” said Graffard.

Goliath disappointed on his first visit to Hong Kong, but his trainer insists he is “a different horse” this time around.

The 2024 Vase hero, Giavellotto (Mastercraftsman), returns seeking a rare repeat. Last year he stunned with a powerful late surge to deny Dubai Honour (Pride of Dubai), and his rider Andrea Atzeni is adamant the performance was no fluke.“He was immature before. In Europe he never won by much. But here he showed speed, authority, an impressive turn of foot. He’s matured and is now a much quicker, more focused horse.”

Atzeni replaces Oisin Murphy, who partnered Giavellotto to victory in 2024, after the Hong Kong-based jockey traveled to Europe to ride him to a fourth-place finish in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1).

Among the locals, Bundle Award (Shamus Award), trained by master conditioner John Size and ridden by James McDonald, has created the most positive impression in the lead-up.

“His trial was excellent. Hong Kong horses are always very tough on this stage, even when they look inferior on paper,” said McDonald.“This horse is on the up—his last run was very strong finishing from the back. I was fourth last year with Ensued, and this one is better, or at least as good.”

All signs point to a spectacular Sunday at Sha Tin, with unmissable races and a cast of the very best on the global stage.