Nicholls is confident

Hong Kong was basking in baking sunshine yesterday as British challengers continued their preparation for the weekend's prestigious International meeting.

Ability to act on rock-hard ground is going to be a must for any horse with serious designs on the healthy prizemoney on offer at the Sha Tin spectacular.

But the prospect of lightning fast ground is not worrying trainers of the British runners.

David Nicholls is running two in the Hong Kong Sprint - Rudi's Pet and Proud Native. "I couldn't be happier with them they're fine and everything's going well in the run-up to the race," he said.

Deirdre Johnston climbed aboard Fruits Of Love, trained by her husband Mark, and the Hong Kong Vase contender worked with plenty of zest in the early morning sunshine.

"He felt absolutely fine to me and though I haven't had the chance to test the surface on the grass, fast ground won't be a problem for him," said Mrs Johnston.

Fruits Of Love may have been slightly below his best in the Japan Cup due to racing up with the pace.

"This time the plan is for Kieren Fallon to come from behind and I'm hoping that will see him perform much better," said Johnston.

Richard Quinn jetted in from Mauritius to team up with his Hong Kong Cup partner Lear Spear. Trainer David Elsworth is crossing his fingers that the colt can recapture the sparkle he showed when winning the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.

"If he is as good as he was at Royal Ascot he should have a great chance," he said.

Docksider, one of the leading contenders for the Hong Kong Mile, worked to the satisfaction of his trainer John Hills.

"The conditions will be fine for him but at this time of the year it's just a question of whether they have kept their form," he said.

Sha Tin will be the last racecourse that Docksider sees. He will be retired after his race at the weekend and will take up stallion duties at the Airlie Stud.

Kieren Fallon's Happy Valley treble on Wednesday was marred by the second ban of his current stint in Hong Kong.

Fallon's success in the finale aboard Commander Chief came at a price as the Clareman was found guilty of careless riding in the So Kon Po Handicap.

The ban will not affect his commitments as regards Sunday's meeting, as the suspension does not start until Monday. He will be able to resume riding again on January 3rd.