Jamie Spencer aiming to go out in storming fashion in Hong Kong Mile
Spencer's shock retirement at the relatively young age of 34 has been one of the stories of the year, with the Qatar Racing stable jockey set to continue his association with Sheikh Fahad al-Thani's outfit in a management role.
It would be a fitting end to a stellar career, though, if Spencer could add a Hong Kong feature to his résumé on a horse that trainer David Simcock says "is very close to Jamie's heart".
Trade Storm is special to all of us, he's a stable favourite
"Trade Storm is special to all of us, he's a stable favourite," Simcock said. "Hopefully, we can repeat the scenes from Canada, when he won the Woodbine Mile, although I think it would be even more exciting here."
For Simcock, who has had his licence for just over a decade, he is enjoying the chance to travel horses to some of the world's biggest meetings.
"With the prize money, you have to come here and have a go," he said. "It's my first time in Hong Kong and it's fantastic to have the chance to see it all first hand."
Trade Storm was bought by Qatar Racing 18 months ago after winning the Zabeel Mile at Meydan, and although he has only won a single race since - the Woodbine Mile in Canada in September - a number of good runs in England, Dubai and the United States have seen him pay his way around the world.
"He's a pretty seasoned campaigner now and he seems to be performing better when he travels now, which I don't mind at all," Simcock laughed. "I think he's in good shape, he's a happy horse and I don't think he could be any better."
"We're still learning with him, but the great thing is, he's a horse that when he's right, he never disappoints - he always runs his race."
But we know how good the locals are and their top record in this race and they will take a lot of beating
The trainer has plenty of admiration for Hong Kong's milers, particularly those he labels "the big three" - Able Friend, Gold-Fun and Ambitious Dragon.
"I'm under absolutely no illusions about the local horses," he said. "The Woodbine Mile and Breeders' Cup Mile form is below the formlines of the big three here, no question at all, and it also rates below the best mile form in Europe too.
"But we know how good the locals are and their top record in this race and they will take a lot of beating."
