Racing: Alflora unlucky in the draw

CLIVE BRITTAIN displayed his usual confidence yesterday despite Alflora being drawn 13 of 14 for Sunday's pounds 247,229 nine-furlong Hong Kong International Cup at Sha Tin.

'The outside draw is not too bad,' Brittain said. 'It's what we've got and we can't change it. Alflora has so much ability and has been going well since he arrived here, so the draw shouldn't be a problem.'

The two British runners in the seven-furlong pounds 197,783 International Bowl were both alloted inside stalls. Swing Low will be right against the rail in stall one, whilst Marina Park drew stall four.

John Reid, who will ride Swing Low, said: 'He worked quite well this morning but I'm not that happy with the draw. I would prefer to be in the middle so that I could get him covered up.'

Robert Kennedy, the owner of Marina Park, said: 'We are very lucky to be in the race at all, as we were the first reserves and we were called up only at the last minute. The preparation has not been ideal, however.'

Kennedy added: 'But we fancy our chances a little more after this morning, when she went well for Frankie Dettori in a half-mile gallop.'