CONNECTIONS of Melbourne Cup winner Americain head to Sunday's Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin confident they have the horse in perfect condition to make it back-to-back group 1 wins after drawing barrier nine, reports The Age.Americain was one of the first of the international horses to arrive in Hong Kong three weeks ago and trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre says he could not be more pleased with him.''Nothing is wrong, everything is good, just take a look at him,'' de Royer-Dupre said as the five-year-o

CONNECTIONS of Melbourne Cup winner Americain head to Sunday's Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin confident they have the horse in perfect condition to make it back-to-back group 1 wins after drawing barrier nine, reports The Age.

Americain was one of the first of the international horses to arrive in Hong Kong three weeks ago and trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre says he could not be more pleased with him.

''Nothing is wrong, everything is good, just take a look at him,'' de Royer-Dupre said as the five-year-old cantered past on the all-weather track yesterday, with Americain attempting to be the first Melbourne Cup winner to go on and win the Vase.

The trainer, who won the race last year with three-year-old filly Daryakana, believes that the drop back to the 2400 metres will not be a problem.

''He is a very easy horse to ride, normally. If they can go fast, he can wait, and if they go slow, he can be close to the leader. Gerald [Mosse] and him get on very well. It is the perfect marriage,'' Royer-Dupre said.

Mosse, who will go into the race full of confidence after riding his 500th winner in Hong Kong at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, is also optimistic about Americain's chances.

''This is an international group 1 and at 2400 metres ... but he is a very honest horse and he will do his best and give me everything,'' Mosse said. ''I've been very happy with him. I believe he enjoys all the travelling. In my opinion I don't think 2400 metres is a problem. The Geelong Cup was only a preparatory run but he was good there and he has won over the distance in Europe.''