Missile misses sprint target

Britain’s challenge on the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint was dealt a major blow when William Haggas was forced to scratch Majestic Missile from the race owing to a blood disorder.

The colt’s blood pictures had given Haggas cause for concern since his arrival earlier in the week. The trainer had been hoping for an improvement but was forced to concede defeat before trackwork on Friday.

Haggas explained: “His white cell count dropped from twelve to three which is the early sign of colitis, and although he has improved every day he still isn’t quite right.

“His fibrinogen levels have been high and sadly we’ve run out of time.

“The most important thing is to get him home in one piece as he stays in training. I’m disappointed, but it’s not the end of the world.”

In contrast, Benbaun’s trainer Mark Wallace can look to Sunday with increasing optimism after seeing Kieren Fallon’s mount blaze up the all-weather training track.

“I’m really chuffed he was invited as he’s going completely the right way. I can’t believe how well he is and wish the race was today,” said the Newmarket handler.

Benbaun covered six furlongs and moved into overdrive in the last two.

Wallace sees the blinkers as an ace card for his charge and added: “He only gets sparked up when they’re on. Nothing’s as quick as him in Europe and I don’t care about the draw – he will just jump and run.”

Robert Collet put some fast work into Nipping and afterwards suggested it would be unwise to underestimate Christophe Soumillon’s mount.

The trainer said: “I was very pleased with her work, while the ground will be ideal for her. She likes it really firm.”