Charge runs a cracker in Hong Kong Vase

Qatar Racing's Chemical Charge signed off for the year with a fine fourth in the Gr. 1 Longines Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin on Sunday.

After failing to handle the soft ground in the Gr. 1 Canadian International Stakes on his previous start, Chemical Charge bounced back to form when two and three quarter lengths fourth of 12 to multiple top-level winner Highland Reel in the Hong Kong Vase. The winner was reversed the form with his Gr. 1 Breeders' Cup Turf conqueror Talismanic, who finished second here, less than a length ahead of Chemical Charge at the line.

This was just a second start at the highest level for Chemical Charge, which gives us plenty to look forward to in 2018. He has been expertedly handled by Ralph Beckett (and Ger Lyons before him) and was given a confident ride by regular rider Oisin Murphy, the pair perhaps deserving extra credit given they came from off the pace, unlike Highland Reel and Talismanic who were prominent throughout.

Unfortunately, it wasn't such a good day for Qatar Racing's other runner, Lightning Spear, who finished tenth of 14 in the Gr. 1 Hong Kong Mile to Beauty Generation, who made all under Derek Leung.