All's well with Alcopop ahead of HK Cup

Monday 3 December 2012, 4:53pm

Concerns over the well being of Alcopop ahead of Sunday's Hong Kong International meeting have been dismissed by trainer Jake Stephens.

The Mackinnon Stakes winner was reported to have lost weight on the trip from Melbourne but Stephens said it was no more than he could afford to lose.

Alcopop cantered a lap on the all-weather track at Sha Tin on Monday and Stephens said he was pleased with what he saw leading into the Hong Kong Cup (2000m).

"He's in good shape," Stephens said.

"I know there were reports he lost a lot of weight on the flight but it was more in the couple of days after he arrived.

"He had weight on him which he could afford to lose. He's only lost what he needed to.

"He's eating up well and he's now close to his ideal racing weight, which is perfect.

"He was kicking and squealing this morning which is a good sign. This is a strange environment for him but he's 'palled up' with Sea Siren and now he's doing well. He needs the companion and I doubt we would have come had he been on his own."

Dunaden, who beat Alcopop to win the Caulfield Cup, will contest the Hong Kong Vase (2400m) and cantered two laps of the track at Monday's session.

Among Alcopop's opponents on Sunday will be the Queen's horse Carlton House and French champion Cirrus Des Aigles.

Carlton House also did a circuit of the all-weather track and was reported to have regained most of the 9kg he lost on the trip from England while Cirrus Des Aigles worked in the quarantine area.

– AAP

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