Douro Valley ready for Hong Kong

Douro Valley is on target for his first international mission after completing his final gallop on Australian soil at Moonee Valley on Saturday before next month's Hong Kong Vase (2400m).

Working over 1600m with Steven Arnold aboard, Douro Valley defeated stablemate Ballack in between races five and six.

The margin of a long neck did not do justice to Douro Valley, which was under a tight hold while Ballack was under more pressure from Steven Baster.

Arnold said Douro Valley was holding his form well despite nearing the end of a campaign which started at the end of August.

"It was good solid work, (it'll) just keep him ticking over," Arnold said.

"It's obviously going to be a gap between runs I suppose. Good ground today, nice galloping surface so good for him to get a nice gallop into him."

"The trip acts like a bit of work as well so I think he'll be spot on."

Gerard Tesoriero - stable foreman for trainer Danny O'Brien, who returns to Melbourne from Dubai on Monday - said Douro Valley was 'bouncing'.

Douro Valley, which will fly out to Hong Kong on Tuesday afternoon, is the second highest rated of the 14 stayers invited to run in the 2400m race on December 14.

Only 2007 winner Doctor Dino (119) has a higher rating than Douro Valley (117), which came second in last year's Caulfield Cup and won his first Group One race earlier this spring.