Trainer Tom Hogan reports Gordon Lord Byron in "tip-top" shape ahead of his fourth appearance at Sha Tin on Sunday week.
In three previous visits to the track the well-travelled six-year-old has finished fourth in the Hong Kong Mile at this meeting in 2012 and 2013 and was seventh in this year's Champions Mile back in May.
This time, however, he is being primed for the Group One Longines Hong Kong Sprint and is due to arrive at the track on Saturday.
Hogan could not be happier with his stable star ahead of his first appearance since winning the Qipco British Champions Sprint at Ascot in October.
"Wayne (Lordan) gave him a great ride that day (at Ascot) - for my money the ride of the season - and the horse was very brave," said the trainer.
"He's been in great form since his last run at Ascot, and we've taken him to Dundalk, where he loves the surface. His work there last Friday evening was first class - absolutely tip-top.
"Gordon Lord Byron is not short of speed. He's been to Haydock, a fast six-furlong track, for the Sprint Cup these past three years, and run well (second in 2012, first in 2013 and second again in 2014).
"In the Prix de La Foret on Arc day, when he was second to Olympic Glory, they went the first five furlongs in sub 56 seconds, so he's not short of pace.
"Last year the Hong Kong Sprint was won by Lord Kanaloa by five lengths; that's like winning a two mile race by a distance - and I don't see a Lord Kanaloa in the field this year. Sole Power was second last year, and we've beaten him before over six furlongs.
"All we can hope for is a reasonable draw, and some cover and luck in running. We go there with confidence, and it's certainly worth a shot.
"We've never been afraid to get beat. The horse loves it in Hong Kong. We all love going back there. The hospitality is great. Why wouldn't we give it a go?"
