First blood on Hong Kong International Stakes day at Sha Tin went to Japan with
Looking to close out an amazing year, Highland Reel with Ryan Moore in the saddle, took up the early running. He received no favours in the run when Damien Lane on Big Orange put the pressure on.
Highland Reel turned back that challenge and swept clear on straightening before
Moreira weaved his magic between runners from well back in the field. Softened up midrace, Highland Reel had nothing left to give in the final 50 metres.
A brother to the Group 1 Cheveley Park winner Lightning Pearl, the 4yo son of the former shuttler, Epsom Derby runner-up, Marju (IRE) was winning for the fifth time from 11 starts.
His recent form has been indifferent since winning the Group II Kyoto Kinen in February.
He is out of Rossini mare Jioconda who won two of her four starts including a Listed race over a mile in Ireland.
A winner of his two starts at two,