American contenders tune up in Hong Kong

(Misnomer) for leisurely spins over Sha Tin's turf on Monday in preparation for

Sunday's international races.

Both were credited with six-furlong jaunts. Designed For Luck was timed in an

unhurried 1:21 4/5 and Willow O Wisp in 1:22 4/5, each striding out the last

quarter-mile in :26 1/5.

The eight-year-old Designed For Luck will challenge in the Hong Kong Mile

(HK-G1). Sidelined for more than 16 months after capturing last year's Shoemaker

Breeders' Cup Mile (G1), he finished an excellent second in his comeback effort,

the October 8 Oak Tree Mile (G2), beaten 1 1/2 lengths by 2004 Breeders' Cup

Mile (G1) hero Singletary (Sultry Song).

Willow O Wisp will be tackling two new challenges in the Hong Kong Cup

(HK-G1) -- facing older horses and attempting 1 1/4 miles. The multiple Grade 2 winner has not raced since his triumph in the Del Mar

Derby (G2) on Labor Day.

Also limbering up was Hong Kong Sprint (HK-G1) contender Nicole's Dream

(Northern Trend), who took light exercise on the all-weather track for trainer

Larry Rivelli.