Dubai Honour for G1 victory at Sha Tin

He Jiong

Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday for an exciting 11-race fixture, headlined by the Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup over 2400m.

Top-class stayer Dubai Honour, trained by William Haggas, looks primed to land the Group 1 race which is a Hong Kong World Pool event.

With the standard of Hong Kong-based stayers under question in recent years, this presents a golden opportunity for Dubai Honour to strike in the city’s premier staying contest.

The seven-year-old ran a solid second in the Grade 1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m) last December and has continued to perform at a high level since.

He claimed his fourth Group 1 victory in the Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill two starts ago, before finishing runner-up to the classy Via Sistina in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes over 2000m at Randwick.

On form, his main danger appears to be Voyage Bubble, a top-class miler who was narrowly denied in the G1 FWD Champions Mile last start. However, the Ricky Yiu-trained six-year-old has never raced beyond 2000m, raising concerns about his stamina over Sunday’s demanding 2400m trip.

Last start winner Top Dragon is set to go back-to-back in the Class 3 Handicap over 1400m at Sha Tin this Sunday.

This highly progressive three-year-old broke through in emphatic fashion over the same track and distance last time out. In a fast-paced race, the Pierata gelding settled midfield before unleashing a sustained burst from the 400m mark, pulling clear to win by 2.25 lengths. That dominant performance showed he is well ahead of his Class 4 rivals.

Now stepping up to Class 3 for the first time, Top Dragon’s untapped potential puts him in a strong position to deliver another bold effort. - iRace Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Babieca narrowly beaten last start, and with Purton taking the reins, he’s poised to go one better. Quick Money scored a tenacious win last time out and remains a strong chance, despite carrying top weight. Field Marshal has trialled well for his debut, but the wide draw is a major concern. King Dance a newcomer who ran on well in a recent trial, he is worth considering if his odds offer value. Winning Champion showed improvement in a recent trial and the betting market will tell the story.

Race 2: Invincible Ibis a talented debutant from the Newnham stable, he has shown above average ability in several trials and looks primed for a bold showing. Goldentronicmighty was an easy last-start winner, though favoured by a slow pace, and a double looks within his reach. No Other Choice is well prepared for debut and should not be overlooked, despite the awkward draw. Awesome Treasure will relish dropping to Class 4, where he is a three-time winner, and improvement is expected. Call Me Gorgeous ran on well to grab fourth on his Class 4 debut last time out and looks one to follow.

Race 3: Honest Witness was far from disgraced with a solid fourth last time out despite a slow start. With a clean jump, he could make amends. Loveisintheair caught the eye flashing home late last start, and with J-Mac aboard, he should deliver a strong performance. Copartner Fleet a newcomer Purton has partnered in all four trials, so watch for betting support. Giddy Up has dropped in the rating and can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form. Voyage Boss from an astute yard, he has been improving with each trial and could surprise at odds on debut.

Race 4: Young Champion his last-start effort in a slowly run race was better than it appears. He looks a leading contender in this small field, where his explosive turn of foot could prove decisive. Packing Hermod has been freshened up since his impressive win last start and looks primed to secure back-to-back victories. Swift Ascend produced an encouraging first-up effort and further improvement is expected with added fitness. Mickley will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Mid Winter Wind capable but unpredictable, he could cause an upset on his day.

Race 5: Monarch County well placed with a 7-pound claimer, he must be considered a strong chance based on his recent form. Super Love if he can make full use of the inside draw and settle closer to the speed, he will be highly competitive in this field. Meowth will relish the drop to Class 4, where he boasts an unblemished record. Ka Ying Glory a beaten favourite on debut, he has since trialled well with blinkers added, making him an intriguing runner to watch this week. Beauty Live has dropped significantly in ratings and comes off a fast-finishing third two weeks ago.

Race 6: Flagship Warrior resuming off a break, he has trialled well for his return and looks ready to run a big race on his Class 4 debut, especially with the apprentice claim. Mister Dapper a dangerous frontrunner, he could prove hard to run down if given a soft lead. Fortune Boy defied a wide draw to break through in fine style last start and looks to have more ratings in store. Wrote A New Page has trialled well to hold his form since a close second last start and is edging closer to a win. Fight Time a lightweight and a low draw are both positives, making a bold run imminent.

Race 7: Shamus Storm appears overdue for a win after two consecutive placings, and with Purton staying aboard, he shapes up as a leading contender. Max Que his encouraging recent efforts suggest a maiden win is just around the corner. Spirit Of Peace with a more conservative racing style, he will make a strong late surge, despite the awkward draw. Galvanic well below his last winning mark, he can bounce back anytime in this class. Only U has shown signs of regaining form recently and should not be overlooked.

Race 8: Dubai Honour a multiple Group 1 winner, he boasts strong form in Europe and Australia, making him a standout in this G1 feature—especially as Hong Kong has lacked top-class stayers in recent years. Voyage Bubble undoubtedly the best miler in Hong Kong now, he will deliver a strong performance if he handles the marathon trip. Cap Ferrat reigning Hong Kong Derby winner, he finished fifth in an Open G1 feature last start, so a Top 3 finish here wouldn’t be surprising. Ensued attacked the line strongly to finish fourth in the G1 QEII Cup last time out, and he could prove to be a value choice. Rubylot based on his racing style, the step up in distance may spark a surprise.

Race 9: We Are Hero resuming from a layoff, he is well prepared with several trials for his return, and his impressive first-up record suggests a forward showing is imminent. Stellar Express showed improvement on his return to Class 3 last time out and commands respect. Healthy Healthy was held up at the concluding stages last start. With a smoother trip, he could secure a spot in the Top 3. Justifying beaten at prohibitive odds last start; worth considering if the price is more forgiving this time. Dream Winner scored at huge odds last start; keep safe, though there’s a chance it was a one-off.

Race 10: Gold Master has been in career-best form and looks to get all the favours to return to the winner’s list this time. Bravehearts finished a meritorious fourth in a G3 feature last start and looks a formidable contender dropping to Class 3. Fallon comes off an easy win at Happy Valley and remains a strong chance despite carrying top weight. Enthralled from a better draw, he should map closer to the speed and be highly competitive. Family Jewel his recent runs have been encouraging and he looks on track to continue his strong form with Bowman aboard.

Race 11: Top Dragon sectional time data suggests his last win in Class 4 was impressive, so he’s poised to secure back-to-back victories despite stepping up to Class 3. South Star a progressive 3YO, he looks primed to complete a hat-trick after two dominant wins. Super Express holding form with a strong recent trial, he should run well on his Class 3 debut, following a narrow defeat in Class 4. Akashvani a natural frontrunner, he could be hard to run down if he crosses early from a wide draw. Eighty Light Years has tactical speed and could sneak into the placings under the right race shape.