Cat happy, Valley not

Apache Cat drew well but not so Douro Valley at the barrier draw for Sunday's Hong Kong international races on Thursday.

Trainer Greg Eurell could not have hoped for a better draw for Apache Cat, which will jump from gate two in the 13-horse field for the $2.4 million Sprint, while Douro Valley drew the extreme outside in the Vase.

Despite his main danger European sprinter Marchand D'Or also faring well, drawing gate four, the Australian sprinter maintained favouritism.

European bookmakers have Apache Cat either outright favourite at around $3 or an equal top pick with Marchand D'Or at $3.50.

Former Australian-trained galloper Green Birdie also drew well, landing the No.5 alley.

Other highly-rated fancies Mythical Flight must jump from barrier eight while local stars Sunny Power and Enthused were given no favours when they were handed gates 12 and 13.

Douro Valley was equally unlucky, landing barrier 13 in the Vase.

The draw will force the Danny O'Brien-trained on-pacer to work hard early to cross the field and take a forward position in the field.

Vase favourite Doctor Dino, shooting for back-to-back wins in the race, will start on Douro Valley's immediate inside in gate 12.

Connections of leading hopes Muhannak (four) and Packing Winner (seven) had no reason to be unhappy while last year's Melbourne Cup Purple Moon will start from gate six.

The Vase will be run at 5pm (AEDT), 40 minutes before the Sprint.