The Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup is a WFA contest over 2,000m and EXULTANT is clearly the horse to beat again. His last three runs have all rated very similar and he is very much an improved galloper this season. With TIME WARP and GLORIOUS FOREVER likely to ensure a solid tempo, he should be well-suited once more. That said, Exultant has a niggly barrier draw for Purton to overcome, so the Champion Jockey will have to be at his best. I like the booking of Hugh Bowman for EAGLE WAY, who was tremendous in the Hong Kong Vase earlier this preparation. I wouldn’t read too much in to the Happy Valley failure last start as he had zero luck and an awful trip, so back to Sha Tin sitting off a genuine tempo I’m expecting that he will bounce back. It is hard to know what to do with Time Warp and Glorious Forever. They aren’t doing themselves any favours with their racing pattern, or more specifically their inability to be ridden in a different manner. However, if either hands-up the lead to the other, then whatever leads could prove hard to beat. And what to do with PAKISTAN STAR? He just isn’t in good enough form at present, but his best is clearly good enough. I can’t say I’ve seen signs that he’s back to his best so am obliged to pass him by. Nonetheless, I’m happy to be with Exultant again, but it’s not a race to have a big outlay into because of the variability in the map. I’m leaning towards Exultant and Eagle Way if you can find the right prices.