Viva Pataca had to work hard for his victory in the $1 million Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday. Sent off as the 3-10 favorite, the John Moore trainee took a narrow lead over Packing Winner approaching the eighth-pole and maintained it to the line under Darren Beadman, prevailing by a neck while getting the 1 1/4 miles on a good turf course in a tepid 2:04.61. The Dubai Sheema Classic is under consideration for Viva Pataca but owner Stanley Ho expressed reservations about making the journey.

Success Brocken turned the tables on Casino Drive and Kane Hekili at Tokyo on Sunday as he outdueled them in the $1.95 million February Stakes. The 19-1 winner, however, will not proceed to Dubai for the World Cup, and neither will Kane Hekili. On the other hand, Casino Drive will be sent to Nad Al Sheba for a tilt at the world's richest race on March 28.

Five of the world's better turf horses were on the track at Nad Al Sheba Saturday morning, preparing for assignments in the Dubai Duty Free or the Dubai Sheema Classic on March 28.

Comeback kid Kane Hekili goes in search of his fourth victory in a row at Tokyo on Sunday when he meets Vermilion and Casino Drive in the $1.95 million February Stakes, Japan's key prep for the Dubai World Cup.

NEW YORK - Selecting future winners - some well known, some not - in a format popularly known as "Ten to Follow" is a time-honored pastime among British handicappers. Herewith, in alphabetical order and sexually segregated, is offered a hopefully lucky "Thirteen to Follow" among European 3-year-olds about to emerge from winter quarters, some already group race winners, others still operating under the radar.

Colts

My Central gave the Italian racing and breeding industries a much needed shot in the arm at Nad Al Sheba on Friday night as she came with a late rush to defeat a strong field in the Group 3, $200,000 Balanchine Stakes.

Honour Devil was unable to overcome the effects of a near-11-month layoff at Nad Al Sheba on Thursday night as he slogged home a dull third in the Al Dana Investment Plate, a $110,000 mile allowance race that was taken by the back-in-form Dijeerr.

Montmartre, whose brilliant four-length victory in the Grand Prix de Paris last July 14 propelled him into summerlong co-favoritism with stablemate Zarkava for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, was retired by his owner, the Aga Khan, on Wednesday.

By Arc and King George winner Montjeu out of 1 7/8-mile, Group 3 Prix Berteux winner Artistique, he sustained a leg injury in the Grand Prix and was put away for the year in September. A setback earlier this week prompted his retirement.

Deem and Front House will renew their budding rivalry at Nad Al Sheba on Friday night in the $200,000 Balanchine Stakes, a 1 1/8-mile turf contest that has been upgraded to Group 3 status this year.

On Feb. 5, Deem got the best of Front House with a 1 1/2-length victory in the newly upgraded Group 3 Cape Verdi Stakes at a mile, and the result could very well be the same this time around.

Daiwa Scarlet, a four-time Grade 1 winner in her native Japan, has been retired on the eve of what was to have been her Dubai World Cup prep, Sunday's February Stakes at Tokyo, as the Japan Racing Association announced that she was suffering from tendonitis.