Viva Pataca's trainer John Moore believes his runner is perfectly positioned but is expecting a big battle with Eagle Mountain.
Moore, who says that Viva Pataca is the best horse he has trained in a career that started in 1985, said: "Eagle Mountain is a top horse and is definitely the one to beat, but my horse is super fit.
"A lot of these races end up in tactical battles but I've got the best jockey in Darren Beadman and I believe, from gate six, Viva Pataca will be given the run of the race."
Jim Bolger, trainer of triple Group 1 winner Lush Lashes, revealed that he hopes to keep his Hong Kong Cup contender in training as a four-year-old next season.
He said: "If everything goes well here then she'll stay in training and I'll be aiming her at the Duty Free in Dubai. We're hoping she'll run up to her best form. If she does, then I'd expect she won't be too far away at the finish."
Bolger drew stall 10 for Lush Lashes but is unconcerned about tactics. He added: "There isn't much point in having pre-conceived ideas about tactics as things can change so quickly. I'll leave the steering up to Kevin [Manning]."
Europe's other main hopes for International race day fared well in the draw with Luca Cumani "happy" with stall six for Hong Kong Vase runner Purple Moon.
The 2007 Melbourne Cup second worked on turf at Sha Tin this morning - where Australian Hong Kong Vase rival Douro Valley impressed - and Cumani said: "Purple Moon was finishing well in the Japan Cup and we'll be a bit closer to the pace this time."
The draw will play a big part in the Hong Kong Sprint and Moorhouse Lad's trainer Bryan Smart produced a big smile after pulling out stall one.
However, the big two in the six-furlong contest also fared well with Aussie hope Apache Cat coming out of stall two and French speedster Marchand D'Or in gate four.
