Two-time Hong Kong Vase champion Glory Vase, the world’s top-ranked sprinter Nature Strip and Giga Kick, the horse who has been the talk of the town since winning the planet’s richest turf race last weekend, are three of 127 overseas entries for December’s Longines Hong Kong International Races.

Glory Vase, the Tomohito Ozeki-trained winner of the 2019 and 2021 editions of the Vase, has again been entered for the 2,400m contest, as well as the Hong Kong Cup (2,000m), and is one of not only 43 individual Group One champions but also 63 Japanese horses targeting the HK$110 million meeting at Sha Tin on December 11.

While Loves Only You will not return to defend her Cup title, in addition to Glory Vase, the likes of superb sprinters Gendarme and Naran Huleg, marvellous milers Songline and Schnell Meister and sensational stayers Panthalassa and Stunning Rose could fly the flag for Japan at HKIR.

Nine-time Group One winner Nature Strip and his heir apparent, The Everest (1,200m) champion Giga Kick, headline the 15 HKIR nominations from Australia, which also contain Caulfield Cup victor Durston, who has been entered for the Vase.

Nature Strip, whose international exploits include his four-and-a-half-length annihilation of his 15 opponents in June’s Group One King’s Stand Stakes (1,000m) at Royal Ascot, was beaten at odds on in The Everest that Giga Kick won at 20-1.

Giga Kick is the undefeated three-year-old judged not good enough for Hong Kong after his debut win, but the gelding could run in the city before the completion of the review sparked by his rejection.

Group One British Champions Sprint Stakes (1,200m) winner Kinross, who carries the colours of Hong Kong owner Marc Chan, is entered for the Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m) and the Hong Kong Mile.

Among the other United Kingdom-based entries is Boniface Ho Ka-kui’s Deauville Legend, who has been entered for the Vase and the Cup.

Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien regularly targets Hong Kong’s December showpiece and has eight entries.

After finishing sixth in the 2020 Mile, Order Of Australia holds an entry for the 1,600m contest and the Cup, while Group One Epsom Oaks (2,400m) heroine Tuesday is nominated for both the Cup and the Vase.

Pyledriver, who is trained by William Muir and Chris Grassick, has been entered for the Vase after finishing second last year, while American trainer Wesley Ward’s Sprint entries include Group One winners Campanelle and Golden Pal.

Offering record prize money this year, the four Group One features – the HK$34 million Cup, HK$30 million Mile, HK$24 million Sprint and HK$22 million Vase – have attracted overseas entries from Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, the United States and the UK.

“We’re delighted with the sheer quality and quantity of the international entry for 2022 Longines Hong Kong International Races,” said Jockey Club executive director of racing Andrew Harding.

Jockey Club chief calls for ‘systematic review’ after Everest star’s HK rejection

“With the entry to be completed next week by the very best Hong Kong has to offer, we’re extremely grateful to receive significant support from all quarters of the international racing community.

“It’s clear from the entry that the global racing community has again fully embraced Hong Kong racing, and we’re excited to welcome back participating overseas owners, trainers and jockeys for what’s shaping as a fantastic Longines HKIR.”

Hong Kong entries for HKIR, which are likely to include local superstars Golden Sixty, California Spangle and Wellington, close on Monday night.