Silent Witness in tough test

Silent Witness and Attraction will go head to head from the get-go at Sha Tin on Saturday, as the two speedsters drew posts 1 and 3 for the Group 1, $1.02 million Champions Mile.

The race will be Silent Witness's first attempt to stretch his speed beyond seven furlongs. With a 17-for-17 record, Silent Witness will meet the most accomplished racehorse he has faced in Attraction, a three-time Group 1 winner going a mile in England.

Silent Witness worked a quarter-mile out of the gate in 21.70 seconds at Sha Tin on Wednesday, an indication that trainer Tony Cruz wants the gelding to challenge the front-running Attraction from the start.

The only filly to win both the English and Irish 1000 Guineas, Attraction has not run since taking the Sun Chariot Stakes on Oct. 2.

Should the top two falter, Cosmo Bulk could pick up the pieces. Second in last year's 1 1/4-mile Japanese 2000 Guineas, he should be running late.