Hong Kong Vase 2025 Betting Tips - Can Giavellotto Defend His Crown?

Kristen Manning

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Last updated: Fri 12 Dec 2025 11:48

Kristen Manning 12 Dec 2025

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Giavellotto aims for his second Vase win, showcasing strong prior form
Al Riffa seeks redemption after a tough Melbourne Cup run
A diverse international field makes for an exciting 2025 Hong Kong Vase

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Giavellotto is aiming for back-to-back Hong Kong Vase wins.(Getty)

A race that tends to be dominated by visiting runners, the Vase brings together varied staying form lines from around the world. Exultant in 2018 was the most recent of just three Hong Kong-trained winners.

2025 Hong Kong Vase Tips
2025 Hong Kong Vase - Field & Odds

Once again, this 2400m weight-for-age event has attracted a field with strong international depth and several established staying profiles.

2025 Hong Kong Vase Tips

2025 Hong Kong Vase Best Bet - Giavellotto

Giavellotto attempts to join Luso, Doctor Dino, Highland Reel and Glory Vase as a two-time winner of this race, and he is in at least as good form as last year when defeating Dubai Honour. Twelve months ago he arrived off an Irish St Leger placing behind Kyprios and Vauban, having previously collected two Group 2 victories. His preference for firm going was shown again when he won a Group 3 at Kempton before heading to the Arc on rain-affected ground that did not suit.

Despite the conditions in the Arc, he ran bravely by sneaking through along the rails, only peaking late to finish fourth behind the three-year-olds Daryz and Minnie Hauk. Third was fellow Vase contender Sosie, who with his outstanding strike-rate of six wins from 13 starts is also a major threat. The form through that race stands up strongly for this assignment.

Andrea Atzeni, who rode Giavellotto in the Arc, again takes the mount and his familiarity with Sha Tin is an advantage. With firmer ground expected and a proven record in this event, Giavellotto is well placed to produce another high-class performance. He remains the runner they must beat.

2025 Hong Kong Vase Next Best Bet - Al Riffa

Horses coming off Melbourne Cup runs can perform very well in this race, with Red Cadeaux the example after winning the Vase in 2012. Al Riffa endured a difficult Cup run from a wide draw in November, ending up too far back under the topweight of 59kg. Prior to that, he had claimed the Irish St Leger and the Curragh Cup, establishing himself as a genuine staying talent.

An outside gate proved costly at Flemington, but he draws for a softer run this time and should be able to settle in a more favourable position. His proven form over staying distances gives him strong credentials in a race that often rewards horses coming through the European staying pattern. He brings the right profile to improve sharply on his Cup performance.

With a much kinder map and a return to a suitable distance and weight scale, Al Riffa appeals as the main danger. His proven Group 1 quality ensures he will be competitive if he enjoys a smoother passage. He looks the runner most capable of challenging Giavellotto.

2025 Hong Kong Vase - Field & Odds

No.	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Barrier	Weight	Odds
1	Los Angeles (IRE)	Aidan O'Brien	Ryan Moore	10	57kg	$26
2	Al Riffa (FR)	Joseph O'Brien	Dylan Browne McMonagle	2	57kg	$4.60
3	Giavellotto (IRE)	Marco Botti	Andrea Atzeni	6	57kg	$3.20
4	Goliath (GER)	Francis-Henri Graffard	C Soumillon	4	57kg	$17
5	Sosie (IRE)	Andre Fabre	Maxime Guyon	8	57kg	$3.50
6	Urban Chic (JPN)	Ryo Takei	Christophe Lemaire	3	57kg	$5.50
7	Ensued (USA)	John Size	Craig Williams	7	57kg	$81
8	Eydon (IRE)	Andrew Balding	Oisin Murphy	9	57kg	$26
9	Moments In Time (CHI)	Danny Shum	Hugh Bowman	1	57kg	$101
10	Bundle Award (AUS)	John Size	James McDonald	5	57kg	$16
11	Ka Ying Generation (IRE)	Pierre Ng	Luke Ferraris	11	57kg	$31