Three days to go until the second leg of the World Series Racing Championship and the winner of the final leg of last year's championship, the 2001 Hong Kong Cup champion Agnes Digital, did a fast breeze over 1200 metres on the turf course this morning under work rider Mr Shirasaka.

"His performance was okay there," trainer Toshiaki Shirai said later. "His condition has improved a lot since he was in Dubai, where he looked terrible. We have three more days until the race, and I am confident he will be in perfect shape on the day. Tomorrow he will have an easy canter on the all-weather surface."

Eishin Preston, the Hong Kong Mile winner in December, impressed work watchers with his fast breeze over 1200m on the turf. The 1999 JRA Champion Juvenile steps up to 2000m for the first time on Sunday, but his exercise rider Kazuo Fujiwara had no concerns about the distance.

"He will have no problem staying 2000 metres. He has won twice over 1800m and I cannot see why Sunday's (trip) should not suit him as well," Fujiwara said. "He is in great condition and he is very relaxed even after that fast work.

"Tomorrow we will do an easy canter with him and get him familiarised with the paddock. His weight is now 472kgs (1038 lbs) - that's just under his optimum weight - which means he is in very good shape."

The condition of Australian runner Universal Prince is pleasing his connections. Trainer Bede Murray, responsible for more than 1500 winners throughout his career, said: "His weight is 481kgs (1058 lbs), exactly the same as when he won the AJC Australian Derby last year. That makes me more hopeful. He's looking great too." A turf workout is planned for Universal Prince tomorrow.

Criquette Head-Maarek was at the track for the first time this morning to oversee preparations for Okawango, of whom she said: "He looks better than when I last saw him in France - he obviously likes the food here! He did a faster canter today, and will have a sprint on the sand tomorrow along with the other French runner, Lethals Lady."

Godolphin's challenger Grandera looked full of vitality on the all-weather. Travelling head lad Ross Campbell said: "He's eating well and I am happy at this stage. His trainer Saeed bin Suroor and jockey Frankie Dettori arrive on Friday evening."

The main news from the Hong Kong team concerned the defection from the HK$14 million event of Dashing Winner. He will be replaced by Rebel Leader, an in-form specialist at 2000m trained by Geoff Lane.

Dashing Winner competed in the final race on last night's Happy Valley card but was soundly beaten. Peter Ng's third home in last month's Hong Kong Derby did not eat up last night and having been checked by vets this morning, the decision was taken to pull him out of Sunday's test.