Poet's Word remains in training for 2018 as Stoute keeps Sha Tin option open

Poet's Word was reported in tip-top shape on Wednesday following his fine second in the Champion Stakes last weekend, with trainer Sir Michael Stoute eyeing the Dubai Sheema Classic as a potential early target for next season.

While he had no answer to a dominant Cracksman at Ascot, Poet's Word added the runner-up spot to the same placing achieved behind Decorated Knight in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown in September.

"I saw Sir Michael this morning and he's happy with him, everything's going fine," said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail.

The four-year-old was one of the star names to feature among the entries for the Hong Kong International Races on December 10, unveiled on Wednesday, having been put in the Cup and two-furlong longer Vase.

"He's entered for Hong Kong but we’ll have to see," added Raymond. "He stays in training and the target is likely to be the Dubai Sheema Classic."

Champion Stakes third Highland Reel is also entered in the Cup and Vase, the latter a race he won in 2015 before finishing runner-up to Satono Crown last year.

Arc runner-up Cloth Of Stars is also among the Vase entries, alongside Group 1 winners Hawkbill, Dylan Mouth, Blond Me and Decorated Knight, who also has the Cup as an option but has not been entered in the Mile.

The Tin Man 'very bright' after Ascot run

James Fanshawe issued a positive update on The Tin Man, who was fifth behind Librisa Breeze and Tasleet in the British Champions Sprint at Ascot last Saturday on ground that would be far softer than ideal for the Diamond Jubilee winner.

All three horses feature in the entries for the Hong Kong International Sprint.

"He's come out of Ascot really well and seems very bright in himself," said Fanshawe. "At the moment Hong Kong is a thought rather than a definite plan but he's in good form."

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