Anthony van Dyck set to spearhead O’Brien Hong Kong runners

Anthony Van Dyck won the Derby at Epsom in June. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Anthony Van Dyck is likely to be Aidan O’Brien’s main challenger for the Hong Kong international races on December 8.

The Investec Derby hero was most recently third in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, suffering an unfortunate passage at a crucial stage in the Santa Anita showpiece. He is expected to take his chance in the Hong Kong Vase.

However, Champion Stakes heroine Magical will not be travelling, PA Sport reported on Wednesday evening, with the mare still due to meet No Nay Never, despite her name appearing among the possible runners in the Hong Kong Cup.

Along with Anthony Van Dyck, O’Brien’s Mount Everest and Magic Wand, a recent Grade One winner in Australia, are in the frame to make the journey to Sha Tin.

Roger Charlton’s Aspetar, Charlie Fellowes’ Prince Of Arran and the William Haggas-trained Young Rascal are also down to run in the Vase, while Sir Michael Stoute’s Zaaki is in the Mile.