Starlust 'has been put in the market like he's never won before' says Rossa Ryan as confidence grows for Hong Kong Group 1

Rossa Ryan believes Breeders' Cup hero Starlust is "coming in under the radar" as he bids to thwart emerging local star Ka Ying Rising in the Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint on Sunday.

The Ralph Beckett-trained speedster has improved throughout the year, winning three times from ten starts, with his crowning moment coming in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar last month when he flew home from the rear to get up by a neck to defeat Motorious in a dramatic finish.

It was the Zoustar colt's first top-level victory having come close in the Nunthorpe in August when beaten under a length into third by Bradsell. While being drawn in stall ten is not ideal, Ryan is confident the step up to six furlongs will not be an issue given the track configuration at Sha Tin, and reports Starlust to have been in particularly good form since his trip to California.

"I think six furlongs will be no problem to him around here," he said. "It's good and sharp and it will be top of the ground. The draw is not ideal, but the odds-on favourite [Ka Ying Rising] is outside us so he will have to come around us. 

"His form was fairly solid before Del Mar and I thought he was unlucky not to win the Abbaye, but I did wonder if the straight at Del Mar was a bit short for him and if I'd have time to get there. It's a lovely, long straight here. He looks a million dollars, better now than he has ever done. They weighed him this morning and he's the same racing weight as he was in Del Mar, so the race hasn't taken it out of him."

Ryan believes his mount is being underestimated in his bid to become the first British-trained winner of the race, a feat which would undoubtedly be a sensational finish to what has been a phenomenal campaign for both Ryan and Beckett, with Bluestocking's stirring performance in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe the standout moment.

Starlust: Breeders' Cup winner "has been put in the market like he's never won before" according to Rossa RyanCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He's very versatile and likes a horse to aim at," said Ryan. "There seems to be a lot of pace in the race and the faster they go the better. He's coming in under the radar and has been put in the market like he's never won before, despite being a Breeders' Cup winner, so there's no pressure.

"He's tough and hardy and it's great to have a horse to be confident in, even when the gap is getting a bit tight as I know full well if I'm brave enough to go there, he'll go with me. One thing I have is a willing partner."

Starlust is as big as 20-1 with in the betting, with Ka Ying Rising dominating the market as 4-11 favourite despite this being his first start in Group 1 company. There has been huge hype surrounding the rapidly improving four-year-old, particularly given he put on an electric display over course and distance last month when he thundered three-and-a- quarter-lengths clear in the Jockey Club Sprint Stakes.

Longines Hong Kong Sprint (6.50am Sha Tin, Sunday)
William Hill: 4-11 Ka Ying Rising, 14 California Spangle, Howdeepisyourlove, Toshin Macau, 16 Helios Express, 20 Starlust, 25 bar

Read more:

Can 'the perfect racehorse' make Hong Kong history on Sunday? 

Globetrotting Spirit Dancer 'the best he's ever been' as he bids to provide Sir Alex Ferguson with more big-race glory in the Hong Kong Cup 

Join Racing Post Members' Club for the very best in racing journalism - including Patrick Mullins' unmissable trip to see Gordon Elliott  

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.