Ka Ying Rising to show his class on Champions Day

The prestigious FWD Champions Day will take place at Sha Tin on Sunday, showcasing three thrilling Group 1 races: the Chairman's Sprint Prize, the Champions Mile, and the QEII Cup.

Champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising looks set to extend his winning streak to 12 in the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m).

Unquestionably the best sprinter in Hong Kong – and perhaps the world – Ka Ying Rising has been flawless this season, winning all seven of his starts, including a treble of Group 1 triumphs. The David Hayes-trained superstar made his breakthrough at the top level in December’s Hong Kong Sprint, then added the Centenary Sprint Cup and Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup to his glowing resume. Last start, reunited with champion jockey Zac Purton, he turned the G2 Sprint Cup into a procession, surging clear to win by three lengths.

If Ka Ying Rising runs up to his usual standard this weekend, the race could again become a battle for second. Japanese raiders Satono Reve and Lugal, along with Hong Kong’s second-best sprinter Helios Express, may all be left fighting for the minor honours.

Multiple Group 1 winner Mr Brightside is primed to strike in the Group 1 FWD Champions Mile at Sha Tin this Sunday afternoon.

Bringing elite Australian form to Hong Kong, Mr Brightside has been outstanding this preparation, notching one win and two runner-up finishes from three Group 1 outings. Two starts ago, the Bullbars gelding dug deep to win the Grade 1 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield, before finishing a close second in the Grade 1 All-Star Mile.

Trained by Ben, Will, and JD Hayes, Mr Brightside has drawn ideally in this weekend’s feature and should prove hard to run down under regular jockey Craig Williams. His biggest threat is likely the favourite Voyage Bubble, who is chasing a fourth consecutive Group 1 win but faces a tricky task from a wide draw.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Volcanic Spark has drawn well and should deliver a strong performance with James McDonald aboard. Oriental Smoke was narrowly beaten last start and looks to be a strong contender with a favourable draw. Matsu Victor produced an improved effort last time out and should not be overlooked despite the wide draw. Beauty Viva having dropped in the rating, he could cause He Jiong

The prestigious FWD Champions Day will take place at Sha Tin on Sunday, showcasing three thrilling Grade 1 races: the Chairman's Sprint Prize, the Champions Mile, and the QEII Cup.

Champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising looks set to extend his winning streak to 12 in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize over 1200m.

Unquestionably the best sprinter in Hong Kong – and perhaps the world – Ka Ying Rising has been flawless this season, winning all seven of his starts, including a treble of Group 1 triumphs. The David Hayes-trained superstar made his breakthrough at the top level in December’s an upset in a field of this nature. Joyful Prosperity a proven performer at this level, he may sneak into the placings, though his recent form seems average.

Race 2: Aeroinvincible resuming from a break, he has trialled well and looks primed to run a big race dropping to Class 4, where he boasts a strong record. Top Throne broke through in fine style last start and is poised to score a double, though the wide draw poses a challenge. Beauty Missile finished a close second last time out and is well placed to go one better, having shed plenty of ratings. Diriya an improving newcomer who has caught the eye at the trials—worth considering with Purton aboard on debut. Parterre has shown improvement since dropping to Class 4 and must be respected.

Race 3: Super Express created a huge impression on debut and looks on track to score successive victories in Class 4. Patch Of Stars ran his best race to date last time out, so it’s no surprise to see Purton take the ride. Monarch County stormed home to score an easy win last start and looks to have more ratings in store. Super Love holding his form with a solid recent trial, he should continue to run well, though the wide draw is a concern. Forerunner had traffic issues in his last two starts and could make amends with a smoother run.

Race 4: Invincible Shield won his last two outings in Class 3 in emphatic fashion, and with Craig Williams aboard, he’s poised to extend his winning streak, despite rising to Class 2. Young Champion his recent runs have been encouraging and he’s always a threat in this class. Divano won a Class 1 race with a lightweight last start and remains a strong chance dropping to Class 2, though the significant increase in weight poses a challenge. Mid Winter Wind appears capable of causing an upset and should not be overlooked. Markwin with a lightweight on his back, he could place at odds.

Race 5: Ka Ying Rising a multiple G1 winner and the best sprinter in Hong Kong, he’ll be hard to beat if he runs to his usual standard. Satono Reve comes off a strong win in the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen and looks the second-best here with Moreira aboard. Helios Express has shown consistent form since day one and holds a strong place claim. Lucky Sweynesse once Hong Kong’s best sprinter, he resumes after a layoff, and the betting market will reveal his chances. Lugal a Group 1 winner from Japan, his recent form has been average but he could bounce back if the race unfolds in his favour.

Race 6: Masterofmyuniverse let down well to finish a solid third last start, despite being held up at a crucial stage. With better luck in running, he can go two better. Super Legends caught the eye flashing home late in a slowly run race last time out. From a low draw, he should map closer to the speed and can prove a strong winning chance. Akashvani a promising 3YO, he carries a lightweight and should deliver a commendable performance on his Class 3 debut. Geneva scored an easy win in this class last start and remains a strong chance. Aurora Patch has ability is worth considering if his odds present value.

Race 7: Mr Brightside brings top-class Australian form to Hong Kong, and from an inside draw, he should enjoy a smooth trip and can prove hard to run down. Voyage Bubble undoubtedly the best miler in Hong Kong now, having secured a G1 hat-trick recently, but the wide draw could pose a challenge this time. Royal Patronage another G1 winner from Down Under, he has raced exceptionally well this preparation and appears to peak at the right time. Galaxy Patch with an explosive turn of foot, he will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Beauty Eternal the defending champion of this feature, he has shown mixed form lately but should not be ruled out.

Race 8: Prognosis the runner-up in this feature for the past two years, he looks ready to make amends with J-Mac aboard, especially with the absence of Romantic Warrior this year. Liberty Island finished a solid second in the G1 Hong Kong Cup in December before a luck- less eighth in the G1 Dubai Turf. With better luck in running, she should be highly competitive. Goliath Boasting top-class European form, he commands respect with top jockey Christophe Soumillon in the saddle. Tastiera has not raced since finishing third in the G1 Hong Kong Cup in December, but his strong first-up record suggests a strong showing is imminent. Cap Ferrat the reigning Hong Kong Derby champion is in great form, but faces his biggest test at Open G1 level this time.

Race 9: Star Mac finished a solid third behind the talented Sky Jewellery last time out and will find this field more manageable. Magnificent Nine is well weighted to make his presence felt, especially from a favourable draw. Tourbillon Prince a fast beginner, he could be hard to run down if allowed a soft lead, as he has done previously. Family Jewel recorded the fastest final 400m last start and can make a strong late surge if the pace suits. Winning Gold likes to get back and charge home late and will run well under the right race shape.

Race 10: Silvery Breeze dislodged the rider last start but had been in great from prior. He should run well with fresh legs first-up. Endeared has regained his form lately and must be respected with Craig Williams aboard. Eighty Light Years was narrowly beaten last start and could go one better as Purton takes the ride. Charming Legend is better than his recent form suggests and could cause an upset on his day. Beauty Glory a natural frontrunner, he is well weighted in this field and could sneak into the placings if allowed an uncontested lead.