A classy field is set to fight out this year's renewal of the Happy Valley Vase on Wednesday night with a pair of exciting four-year-olds primed to take on seasoned performers in the 1800m feature.
Military Attack and Packing Whiz, both trained by John Moore, will be aiming to enhance their claims as future stars.
The former made a winning Hong Kong debut over 1650m at the city track in February and was on the mark again last time out when victorious under top-weight in a 1600m Class 2 at Sha Tin.
His stablemate and fellow four-year-old Packing Whiz won last year's G3 Premio Parioli (Italian 2000 Guineas) and has showcased his talent in his latest two Hong Kong starts, winning hot Class 2 contests at Sha Tin over a mile and 1800m.
Moore will be hoping to repeat last year's feat when he saddled a pair of four-year-olds to fill the first two places, with Destined For Glory taking the spoils from Packing OK.
Leading the established contingent this year is the five-year-old Pure Champion who will shoulder top-weight of 133lb.
Tony Cruz's charge unleashed a telling turn-of-foot to take the HKG3 January Cup over the course and distance at the start of the year and has performed well in Group company since, most recently when sixth to Rulership in the G1 Audemars Piguet QEII Cup.
The David Hall-trained Familists, a course winner over 1650m, won a tough mile Class 1 at Sha Tin last time out, a race in which the re-opposing John Size-trained Sapelli was sixth.
The smart field of 12 also includes Happy Valley specialist Noble Conqueror from the Almond Lee stable. The nine-year-old is seeking an 11th victory at the track.
