Deirdre dazzles in Sha Tin workout as Japanese string are a joy to behold

So much for resting your voice before going on stage. The Japanese were belting out power ballads on Wednesday morning at a sun-kissed Sha Tin as Oisin Murphy put Nassau Stakes winner Deirdre through a rigorous workout just four days before her big date in the Hong Kong Vase.

Deirdre's country counterparts, Lucky Lilac and Normcore, then proceeded to tear off down the home straight like Black Friday bargain hunters heading through the front door of Harrods.

Apparently, they could all repeat the process on Saturday. Perish the thought.

Murphy was delighted with Deirdre, saying: "She is really fit and ready for the race. She understands what she has to do over the week. She is in very good form and I hope she will keep the good condition to the end of the week."

Happy Valley during the the Longines International Jockeys ChampionshipCredit: Edward Whitaker

The contrast between how the Japanese warm-up for big gigs and how the Britain and Irish prepare is stark. The three tenors from Ballydoyle – Anthony Van Dyck, Mount Everest and Magic Wand – barely whispered. They worked together and did not accelerate out of second gear. They are saving their vocal cords for the big stage.

David Casey took the Willie Mullins-trained True Self, bound for the Vase, on a leisurely stroll on the dirt.

"We just went for a couple of canters. I'm very happy with her. We might just go on the turf track tomorrow, perhaps do a half-speed," said Casey.

The Japanese don’t do half-speeds it seems. They train how they play. Norcore clocked 51.3 seconds for the final 800 metres of her workout. She is seeking a hat-trick in the Mile after two wins in Tokyo.

"Everything has gone smoothly so far. She was able to grab the turf surface well with her feet and we have no concern about the track condition,” said trainer, Kiyoshi Hagiwara.

You can say that again, Kiyoshi.

Highland Reel and Ryan Moore receive due adulation from the crowd after a second victory in the Hong Kong VaseCredit: Vince Caligiuri

Aidan O’Brien is not planning on doing anything too tough with his three representatives. Anthony Van Dyck and Mount Everest will tackle the Vase on Sunday, while the toughest cookie in town, Magic Wand, is gunning for the Cup after her three mighty efforts in Melbourne.

O’Brien said: "I think they'll do a canter on the grass on Thursday morning, but they don't need much because we think they're in good shape."

If the results at Sha Tin on Sunday were based on track work, the Japanese would mop up. It is a dangerous gauge, though, and don’t forget O’Brien sent out Highland Reel to take the Vase in 2015 and 2017.

Sunday will reveal all.

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