Malhub misses out

John Gosden’s Malhub has been withdrawn from the Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin tomorrow.

The four-year-old, winner of the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, was taken out of the five furlong event after consultation between his connections and the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Gosden explained: “Although the horse is looking well in himself, his muscle enzyme levels have not come down sufficiently to race at the highest level.

“We are acting in the best interests of the horse and have decided to withdraw him.”

Thunder, trained by Tony Cruz in Hong Kong, will take Malhub’s place in the Sprint. Felix Coetzee will ride.

Red Pepper, one of the local Hong Kong Cup hopes, was also a late defector this morning from tomorrow’s big race.

Jeune King Prawn, also Hong Kong-trained, was also taken out of the Mile but there are no replacements for either of those runners.

Meanwhile, the final preparations for the big day were completed on the all-weather track with race favourite Grandera looking in good shape.

Japan Cup runner up Sarafan had a gentle trot over a circuit before lobbing round a second time.

Trainer Neil Drysdale said: “I’m very happy with the horse. He seems to be in great shape after his trip to Japan.”

Germany’s dual Group One winner Paolini stretched his legs on the all-weather track this morning.

Jockey Andreas Suborics said: “He’s not always an easy horse but he’s in great shape and I’m happy to have drawn in gate one.”

Australia’s three representatives – stablemates Falvelon and Scenic Peak, along with the Lee Curtis-trained Mistegic also had light workouts on the track.

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow now,” said Dan Bougoure, who prepares Falvelon and Scenic Peak.

“We’ve done all that we can and really everything’s gone to plan. The two horses are in great shape and with any sort of luck they should be in the finish.”