Collection all set for Sha Tin's big show; WORLD CLASS RPR expert Sam Walker on last week's most eyecatching display.

THE PERFORMANCE of the week put a new name in the international picture, even though it didn't affect the list of top-rated horses. The International Cup Trial at Sha Tin is often used to showcase the leading home challengers for the valuable Hong Kong Cup and, on Sunday, Collection emerged as the horse to carry domestic hopes in the big one on December 13.

The John Moore-trained four-yearold improved to a career-best RPR of 121+ for his cosy two-length success over Unique Jewellery (111), a figure that ranks him as the leading horse in Hong Kong this year.

This was the gelding's second career-best performance since moving to Hong Kong from William Haggas's yard, having posted an RPR of 119 when beating Thumbs Up in the Hong Kong Derby in March.

Collection, who had a peak RPR of 115 in Britain when winning the Listed Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot, has made enough improvement to make him a live contender against the globetrotters in the 1m2f Hong Kong Cup.

The likely dangers are Eagle Mountain, last year's winner of the Sha Tin feature, and Presvis, also a course-and-distance winner, having landed the QEII Cup in April.

Eagle Mountain won the 1m2f race last year with an RPR of 124 and hasn't been out since. He is set to prep in the International Mile Trial at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Presvis is another course-anddistance winner, having landed the QE II Cup in April. He has been off since running second to Gloria De Campeao in the International Cup at Kranji in May and will make his return to action at Lingfield on Saturday. With a peak RPR of 122, he is another who is capable of making his presence felt in the main event next month.

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