Sha Tin surface attracts praise ahead of Sunday's big fixture

The condition of the turf track at Sha Tin came in for praise ahead of Sunday's Hong Kong International Races, with Newmarket director of racing Michael Prosser – a regular attendee at the fixture – among those highly impressed.

Prosser, who was with head of raceday operations, tracks and racing facilities Stephen Higgins, said: "I've not seen the ground look as well, there's a real thick sward and it walks with a spring.

"You never hear the Europeans say that the ground is too quick here."

Sunday's meeting is expected to be contested on good ground, with temperatures in the region of 21 degrees. Watering is taking place up until raceday morning.

Francis Graffard, who runs Karar in the Hong Kong Mile, was also pleased with the ground. He said: "I think Karar is a top of the ground horse and I am very pleased with the condition of the track – there is a good covering of grass."

Local trainer Tony Millard said: "As far as the track is concerned I think it will run fast. They've left a lot of grass on it, which will help. It will be fair – you will be able to make up ground but if you go forward you will still have a chance."

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