Andre Fabre's journey in the Hong Kong Vase began with Borgia and Olivier Peslier's success in 1999. This 1 1/2-mile race has remained a significant touchstone for the French training maestro at Sha Tin. Maxime Guyon has been aboard for Flintshire's wins in 2014 and Junko's victory a year later. Fabre's overall record in the Hong Kong Vase is remarkable, with three wins, four seconds, and a third from 13 starters. France has claimed the race 11 times, followed by seven wins for British-trained horses, five for Japan, and three for the hosts.

Godolphin's Marquisat's Bid for Success

Godolphin's lightly raced 4-year-old Marquisat is set to retain the prize won by Junko and give Mickael Barzalona his first Group 1 win at the Hong Kong International Races. The similarities with Junko in the form book are hard to ignore, as Fabre used the 1 1/2-mile Grosser Preis von Bayern (G1) as a warm-up. However, Marquisat's chances this year were affected by a sodden track and a couple of hefty bumps. After watching Marquisat canter on Friday, Fabre expressed concerns about the ground being too heavy and his horse not being a strong one.Marquisat's comeback run was promising as he chased home Goliath and Hamish in the 1 3/8-mile Prix du Conseil de Paris (G2), his first start since coming close to beating Junko in the Grand Prix de Chantilly (G2) on the undercard to the Prix du Jockey Club (G1) in early June. The form of the Chantilly race gained more significance as third-placed Dubai Honour won the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1) and fourth home Goliath dominated the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1).Fabre believes Marquisat looks well now and has a good chance based on his form with Junko. He is rated fifth-best, and the Grand Prix de Chantilly form gives cause for optimism. However, Marquisat had an interruption after that race.Fabre's record in the Hong Kong Vase should not be underestimated. He has a knack for choosing horses suitable for intercontinental travel and adapting to different racing styles. He said, "We always learn by travelling and meeting other horses and, hopefully, getting a stronger pace. He's a very easy-going type so he should adapt. Over a mile and a half, the draw won't matter as long as there is some pace."In conclusion, one of the finest thoroughbred conditioners of the last half century has brought an unexposed and improving horse to the Hong Kong Vase. Despite a compromised preparation, Marquisat might become a regular on the international circuit at this 1 1/2-mile trip, and a big performance on Sunday is not out of the question.Coverage of the entire Hong Kong Thoroughbred season at Horse Racing Nation is made possible through a sponsorship by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.