Hayes hoping for fighting win at Happy Valley

David Hayes hopes Soleil Fighter can lay the platform for a memorable week by building an unassailable lead in the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge at Happy Valley on Wednesday as the dual Hong Kong champion trainer prepares to unleash Ka Ying Rising in the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Soleil Fighter contests the Class 3 Kap Shui Mun Handicap (1650m) and, after a last-start win, leads the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge with 46 points from I Can (42) and Eternal Fortune (40) ahead of next week’s (26 February) finale.

Soleil Fighter could seal overall victory if he makes it two wins in a row and two of tomorrow night’s entrants – Eternal Fortune and Gustosisimo (27) – fail to score under the competition format of 15 points for a win, six for second, four for third and three for fourth.

“He’s in great shape and he’s leading the (DBS x Manulife Million) Challenge and if he could win, he would seal it – we’re hoping he can win,” Hayes said. “He’s a very willing horse and he can lead or take a sit but if you hold him up too much, he pulls. And, if he pulls, he’s vulnerable.

“He’s got a lovely barrier draw again (No 6) and he can roll in the first three. If he’s left alone in front, he’ll go in front. If not, he’ll follow the pace. I’ve concentrated at Happy Valley for the Challenge and he’s raced well all season and we’ll probably freshen him a little bit and train him as a Sha Tin horse later in the season.”

Contested between September and February, the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge is open to horses in Class 3 and above with prize money of HK$1 million for the winner, HK$350,000 for second and HK$150,000 for third. Soleil Fighter has started seven times in the series for two wins, two seconds and a third.

Harry Bentley is optimistic a more favourable barrier will enable Young Arrow to break through for a deserved Hong Kong win when Douglas Whyte’s galloper clashes with Eternal Fortune in the Class 3 Ma Wan Handicap (1200m).

“Two big runs he’s had from less than ideal draws, we’ve had to accept it and go back and he’s made up really good ground in the straight,” Bentley said of the former Singapore gelding’s two recent third placings from barrier Nos 12 and 10, respectively.

“I just hope with an easier trip from that draw (No 2), we can save up a bit of energy and do his best. He’s a horse that’s getting better all the time.”

James Orman makes his Hong Kong debut aboard Francis Lui-trained Magic Beans in the Class 4 Kwai Chung Handicap (1200m) as the Australian starts a short-term stint.

“I’m excited to be here. I just want to keep building on our rides and hopefully I can get some support. I’m just looking forward to the support. I know it’s only six weeks, but I’m keen to make the most of that time,” Orman said.

Leading the 2024/25 Hong Kong trainers’ championship with 31 wins from Pierre Ng (30) and Danny Shum (29), John Size (28) and Francis Lui (27), Hayes is supremely confident Ka Ying Rising will cope his first attempt at 1400m in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup under Karis Teetan.

“He’s great, his trial was terrific. Karis was happy with him and he’s got back to Hong Kong and he’ll do a bit of striding work tomorrow and I’m looking forward to the first time at 1400. He gives the impression with his ability to relax mid-race that he will handle it,” Hayes said.

“If he relaxes, I think his sprint will look even better and I expect him to – he’s been trained to relax – but let’s just see. You never know until they run the distance. My feeling is that he will love 1400.”

Bidding for a 10th straight victory after breaking his own track record in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on 19 January, Ka Ying Rising faces last season’s winner California Spangle, Beauty Eternal, Beauty Joy, Helios Express, Howdeepisyourlove, Invincible Sage, Red Lion, Patch Of Theta and Mugen.

The HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) is the other feature at Sunday’s meeting with Voyage Bubble vying for a fourth Group 1 triumph against Galaxy Patch, Chancheng Glory, Ensued, Happy Together, Straight Arron, Five G Patch, La City Blanche, Sword Point and Winning Dragon. – Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Talents Supremo has recently performed well at the bottom of Class 4 and looks ready to run a big race in Class 5. Winning Heart forgive his last start when he was used up early; his prior solid form suggests he deserves another chance. World Hero making his class 5 debut, he should improve against weaker opposition and could offer value. Sterling Wongchoy can perform well on his day but is inconsistent. Consider if the odds justify the risk. Beau Gosse showed improvement last start with a fast-finishing third and is well weighted in this field.

Race 2: Perfect General let down well to finish third in a slowly run race last time out, and with a decent draw, he is primed to make amends. Golden Luck with his tactical speed and the apprentice claim, he could prove hard to run down in Class 4, where he is already a three-time winner. Tactical Command well placed at the weights, he can make his presence felt under the right race shape. Our Lucky Glory boasts a great record in this class and improvement is expected at his second start back in Class 4. Golden Friendship produced a fair effort on debut and could secure a spot in the Top 3 with added experience.

Race 3: Power Koepp gave a good sight and finished third in Class 3 last time out. He must be considered a leading chance dropping to Class 4. Fortune Whiskey in career-best form, he looks on song for back-to-back victories following an impressive win in this class. Motoman could upset some more fancied rivals on his best form and should not be overlooked. Lucky Archangel improvement is expected as he drops to Class 4 where he boasts a reliable record. Nebraskan possesses good early speed and will give them something to chase with a well-timed ride.

Race 4: Happy Daily flashed home late into third off a slow pace last start. He has since been freshened up and now aims to strike fresh. Highland Rahy a fast beginner, he will deliver a commendable performance if allowed a soft lead. Charming Steed on a seven-day back up from an impressive win on the AWT, he is primed to secure a double from an inside draw. Firefoot was likely used up early from a wide draw last start, and with a better draw, he could make amends. Courier Magic will make a strong late surge if the pace suits and is worth considering as a value choice.

Race 5: Champion Method sat on pace and finished a close second last start. From a low draw, he should enjoy a smooth run and be highly competitive. Happy United showed improvement with the drop in class last time out and looks one to follow. Harmony Fire was not beaten far last start and could surprise at odds with the apprentice claim. Allgreektome will relish the drop in class and could improve into the money. Grand Nova attacked the line strongly late last time out and looks another who could improve dropping to Class 4.

Race 6: Star Mac stormed home for a brilliant win last time out and is poised to secure back-to-back victories as he remains in Class 3. Fallon with a conservative racing style, he will run well if the race unfolds in his favour. Flamingo Trillion appears highly suited by the rise to 1800m, where he has scored three wins. Sure Joyful generally performs best in Class 4, but with a lightweight on his back, he may sneak into the placings at odds. Samarkand could cause an upset on his best form and should not be overlooked.

Race 7: Beauty Destiny has been in tremendous form this season and is primed to continue his strong run in Class 3, despite carrying top weight. Prawns Eleven finished strongly into third last start and should run well again with a favourable draw. Sports Legend resuming from a break, he has trialled impressively and looks raring to go. Goko Win has ability and can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form. King Of Fighters will find this field more manageable compared to his previous starts at Sha Tin and could place at value.

Race 8: Young Arrow good performance when storming home for third place last start. A Americ Te Specso caught the eye running home powerfully last time out despite a tardy start. With a clean jump, he is primed to make amends. Spicy Gold his last run was much better than it looks and he could run a cheeky race here. Gustosisimo had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire. Eternal Fortune has a great record in this class and must be respected, though the tricky draw remains a concern.

Race 9: Aestheticism is overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He gets in well at the weights and looks a leading contender despite the wide draw. Soleil Fighter was an easy last start winner in this class and must be respected, though he has to carry top weight. Quantum Patch was checked in the concluding stages last start and could make amends with a smoother run. New Forest backing up quickly from his solid last-start effort, he is edging closer to a win. Simply Maverick appears suited by the switch back to the turf track and a good draw ticks another box.