Hong Kong in December is racing's big day out in this Chinese city boosting one of the best racing set-ups in the world.

Regarded by many as the match up of the west and the east, this years competition is largely dominated by European contenders up against the Japanese and Hong Kong horses with two of the world's powerhouse racing nations, South African and Australia totally missing from the scene.

The Australians argue that there are many Australian bred horses in the star studded fields and they have vindicated their support for their home breds with a large delegation of media from there.

Rocket Man trained by Pat Shaw (pictured: SAHorseracing.COM Image) and ridden by Barend Vorster lead the interest from a South African perspective with all three owner, trainer and jockey being South African. The Johannesburg businessman and owner of Rocket Man, Fred Crabbia, is in town but proved no good at selecting a draw when picking the 13 for Rocket Man. He was visibly disappointed with his efforts. "I got Barend on the horse and I get him that draw," mentioned Crabbia referring to the task ahead of jockey Vorster.

Pat Shaw was equally disappointed but put on a brave face as usual. “Well it’s not the gate we would have wanted obviously, but he’ll go forward from there because that’s what he does. I won’t say I’m not fazed by the draw, but what can you do?”

South Africa is lucky to have a man of his character leading us in Singapore, a real gentleman.

The international races begins with the Vase over the 2400m trip and Trailblazer from Japan has looked good all week. Melbourne Cup winner, Dunaden will be all the rage come post time but only time will tell if this is one run too many for the French star after his efforts in Melbourne. He faces his nemesis Red Cadeaux again, a horse he beat by the shortest of noses.

Rocket Man heads the Sprint field trying to go one better than his second to J J The Jet Plane last year. Sacred Kingdom is looking for one more big effort but he is beyond his best at this stage of his career. Keagan Latham is in town to ride Sole Power, a real contender for this event. The South African youngster is returning home after this race from his stint in Ireland and this win will be a welcome send off for the young star.

Admiration is fancied by some of the local press as an upset contender as he seems to be on the up. He is one to watch from the home town group.

The mile contest is an interesting event with Jimmy Choux, the well named New Zealander, coming into the race in great form. He will be up against the Hong Kong star Beauty Flash and the British raider Citscape. The French galloper, Sahpresa has a record of 8 wins from 21 starts and looks the hot property in this event.  Rod Collet, trainer of Sahpresa, mentioned, "I think she looks better and feels better than last year for her first visit to Hong Kong. I think her travel mate Sahmia has played a major role there. Last year she was six weeks on her own in Japan and here but having him around keeps her happy and that is how she is here."

The Cup has been billed as the race between local star, Ambitious Dragon trained by South African, Tony Millard and the Champions Stakes winner, Cirrus Des Aigles. The well named Durban Thunder represents the Germans in this event with Byword a worth challenger as well. Douglas Whyte, rider of Ambitious Dragon, said "He's coming from a lovely gate in five and from there I'll have options. I'll have another look at the race but I doubt that I'd ride him forward. I'm happy for him to settle and make use of his great turn of foot. He is one of the best horses I've ridden." The race looks a match in two between the top two in the betting though.

In all, the day is sure to be a spectacular success. The weather is chilly in Hong Kong, more than usually so for this time of year. The action is sure to be opposite for this not to be missed event.