Bolger sees Lush in Hong Kong frame

Jim Bolger is confident Lush Lashes can hold her own against the boys in Sunday's Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin.

The three-time Group One winner will be having her first start against the opposite sex but proved she can perform on the international stage with a solid second in the Prix de l'Opera at Longchamp last time out.

Bolger made his first appearance at Sha Tin on Thursday morning and watched jockey Kevin Manning put Lush Lashes through her paces on the all-weather track.

'I'm not sure if it's that much of a step up - she has been competing in very good company all year,' said Bolger.

'I am just hoping she can run to her best form and, if she does, she won't be too far away at the finish. It has been a good year and I will be happy to finish on a high note.

'She seems very well and we are hopeful she will run up to her best form. I won't be saying anything to Kevin in terms of tactics, I will leave it up to him.

'There isn't much point in having any preconceived ideas because so many things can change.

'He has been in that situation before so I think he can handle it.'

Lush Lashes will start from stall 10, with Mike de Kock's Breeders' Cup Turf runner-up Eagle Mountain in five. Home favourite Viva Pataca, who finished runner-up last year, is next door in gate six.