The Fugue's ready for Hong Kong Vase

Lord Lloyd-Webber is best known for his string of worldwide smash hit

musicals, including Cats, Starlight Express and Phantom of the Opera, but in the

shape of superstar filly The Fugue, the famous composer has the chance to

experience a standing ovation of a different kind.

Lloyd-Webber's interest in racing has grown thanks to his wife Madeleine, and

between them they have built up an impressive owning and breeding operation in

the United Kingdom. The Fugue was actually bred by the couple too and all

connected with the four-year-old are getting excited about her chances of adding

a fourth Group 1 success to her resume in the December 8 Hong Kong Vase.

The Fugue, trained in England by John Gosden and ridden by William Buick, was

narrowly denied in the Breeders' Cup Turf earlier this month, being caught late

by Magician and beaten a half-length into second place. However the team behind

the horse is hopeful of a different outcome at Sha Tin.

Simon Marsh, racing and bloodstock manager for Lord & Lady Lloyd-Webber,

reported that the three-time Group 1 winner has come out of her last race well.

"The Fugue had a very good trip back from the Breeders' Cup and has been

absolutely fine," he said. "She is in very good form and we are very happy with

her. She ran a fantastic race at Santa Anita and it was a very good performance,

but that's racing."

The Dansili filly was an unlucky third in last year's Oaks at Epsom Downs and

has since matured into a world-class runner with versatility in her armory. A

first top-flight success in the 2012 Nassau Stakes around Goodwood's climbing,

turning, dipping downland track, has been enhanced this campaign with a

Yorkshire Oaks triumph and an emphatic win against the boys in the Irish

Champion Stakes. 

"The track and the conditions should suit her ideally in Hong Kong," Marsh

continued. "She won the Group 1 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, which is a

right-handed track, and the ground should be fast, which she loves.

"The idea would be to keep her in training next year. She is very talented

and we are lucky to have her."

In the 19 runnings of the about 1 1/2-mile Hong Kong Vase, British-trained

horses have been successful on seven occasions, most recently last year when Red

Cadeaux prevailed. The Fugue is due to arrive in Hong Kong on December 2 ahead

of her bid to become the eighth winner of the race from Great Britain.

To find out more about the Hong Kong International Races, the Turf World

Championships, visit the Hong Kong Jockey Club's special

microsite.

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