Flintshire could prep at Deauville for Hong Kong

French star Flintshire could have a prep run at Deauville ahead of his tilt

at the Hong Kong Vase over 12 furlongs at Sha Tin on December 14. The

four-year-old, representing 24-time French champion trainer Andre Fabre, is

already a winner at the highest level, having recorded an impressive victory in

the 2013 Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp.

Flintshire has been a model of consistency in five outings during 2014 and

produced a career-best performance when beaten two lengths into second by Treve

in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp October 5.

On his most recent start, the Khalid Abdullah-owned colt proved he can cope

with the demands of traveling overseas when running Main Sequence to a

half-length in the November 1 Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita.

"Flintshire is in good shape and it is the intention to go for the Hong Kong

Vase," Abdullah's Racing Manager Lord Grimthorpe said.

Flintshire, by Dansili out of the Sadler's Wells mare Dance Routine, has won

three of his 11 starts under Maxime Guyon.

Newmarket trainer Sir Michael Stoute confirmed that Hillstar is going for the

Hong Kong Vase on the back of a decisive victory in the Canadian International

at Woodbine on October 19.

Hillstar, a four-year-old Danehill Dancer colt, is owned by Sir Evelyn de

Rothschild and has been successful four times from 15 starts.

The Hong Kong Vase is one of four Group 1 contests at the Hong Kong

International Races at Sha Tin on December 14. The Sunday card also features the

Hong Kong Cup at about 1 1/4 miles, the Hong Kong Mile and the Hong Kong Sprint.

Selected runners for the 2014 Hong Kong International Races will be announced

on November 26.