Tomorrow you can all enjoy two world-class international races at Sha Tin as we will be hosting the Audemars Piquet Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Champions Mile. Besides getting to see some of the world's top racehorses in action on our home turf, what always delights me about these occasions is the chance to meet so many overseas horsemen, horse lovers and journalists at the racecourse and at other pre-race functions.
This year we have leading trainers like Mike De Kock, Saeed bin Suroor and John Hawkes coming to Hong Kong 
for our springtime festival, as well as top jockeys such as Frankie Dettori, Christophe Soumillon and Kevin Shea. I've already met and chatted with a few of them at the barrier draw ceremony on Thursday and at our morning trackwork yesterday morning. Their active participation reflects the high standing that Hong Kong enjoys in international racing circles.
for our springtime festival, as well as top jockeys such as Frankie Dettori, Christophe Soumillon and Kevin Shea. I've already met and chatted with a few of them at the barrier draw ceremony on Thursday and at our morning trackwork yesterday morning. Their active participation reflects the high standing that Hong Kong enjoys in international racing circles.I also want to express my sincere thanks to our sponsor Audemars Piguet. Without the support of this renowned watchmaker over the past 10 years, I am certain this race could not have become as successful as it has. That's why we were so thrilled recently to hear that this premier Swiss brand had agreed to renew its sponsorship for another three years from 2010 onwards. I strongly believe that this kind of partnership between the Club and private sponsors will continue steering the development of our sport in the years to come.
After the draw, I have done my own analysis on these two International Group One events. Due to unstable weather today, the races could be held on a softer track than normal, and it will largely depend on the weather conditions leading up to the race. But anyway, I hope my analysis will be a useful guide while you are all watching the races tomorrow.
Let me start with the APQEII Cup. I think you all would agree with me that Mike de Kock's globetrotter Archipenko stands out as the strongest overseas contender in the race. If the track condition stays good, I'm optimistic about the chance of our home hopeful Viva Pataca. This John Moore's runner really performed well in his final workout yesterday and I think he will be the horse to beat in this race. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if French contender Chinchon ran in the first four, along with local runner Thumbs Up who will have the experienced Christophe Soumillon on board. But if the track is rain-affected, the chance for Archipenko to beat Viva Pataca, as well as the chance of Thumbs Up, will both be improved.
For the Champions Mile, I think this will be the most interesting mile race this season as many improving horses are taking part in this event. Returning to his best distance at the mile, reigning Horse of the Year Good Ba Ba is in great form and performed superbly in trackwork. But Tony Cruz's Egyptian Ra has secured an ideal draw in Gate 1, which will be very favourable for this front runner. However, if the track goes to yielding or even to the soft side, I would recommend looking our Derby champion Collection. I believe he will provide a stiff challenge to other runners. Former Hong Kong-based runner Dao Dao is also in good form, having snatched his first victory since his return to Australia in a listed race at Rosehill Racecourse earlier this month. He's very familiar with the surroundings of Sha Tin. Having just won his previous race in heavy going, let's see if he can get a decent result for his trainer John Hawkes.
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