He Jiong
The Hong Kong International Races, taking place on Sunday, will feature four prestigious Group 1 races, offering some of the richest prize money in the world.
Reigning Horse-Of-The-Year in Hong Kong, Romantic Warrior, is set to chase an unprecedented third consecutive victory in the HK$40m Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Cup (2000m), a historic feat in Hong Kong racing.
Trained by Danny Shum, the champion has remained unbeaten in his last six starts, beginning with his first overseas Group 1 victory in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley, Australia, last October. This was followed by three Group 1 wins in Hong Kong, including the prestigious Hong Kong Cup. Two starts ago, Romantic Warrior took on another overseas challenge, showcasing his class with an impressive win in the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo Racecourse in June.
He resumed his campaign with an effortless win in the Group 2 Jockey Club Cup last month and stands out as the horse to beat on Sunday. The main threat comes from Japanese star mare Liberty Island, who boasts an impressive record of four wins from seven attempts at the highest level, though all have been in restricted age races. Additionally, Tastiera, another Japanese contender, and Content, trained by Aidan O’Brien, are both Group 1 winners, making them a formidable force in this prestigious feature.
Star sprinter Ka Ying Rising is poised to claim his first Group 1 victory when he lines up in the HK$26m Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint over 1200m.
In unstoppable form, Ka Ying Rising has won his last seven races, each in emphatic fashion. The David Hayes-trained sprinter was particularly impressive in his most recent outing, the Group 2 Jockey Club Sprint. Settling just off the pace, he powered home in the straight to score by 3.25 lengths. Even after being eased down by champion jockey Zac Purton in the final 100m, he still stopped the clock at 1:07.43, breaking the legendary Sacred Kingdom’s long-standing course record.
Simply put, if Ka Ying Rising replicates his last-start performance, he looks set to win as the favourite this Sunday. However, there’s no guarantee in racing, and overseas contenders such as Lugal, Nobls and Hong Kong-based Group 1 winner California Spangle all have the potential to cause an upset.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: City Thunder was badly held up last start but still finished a solid fourth. From an inside draw, he should be a big winning chance with a smoother run. Patch Of Time his form is great and now aims for a hat-trick of wins. Mr Energia can bounce back a winner anytime in this class and must be respected with Purton aboard, despite the wide draw. Brilliant Express fresh up from a break and recent trial was good, he should run well first-up. Happy Park showed tactical speed last start and will give them something to chase.
Race 2: Master Phoenix finished a slashing second on debut, and from pole position, he should map closer to the speed and go one place better. Dragon Four Seas his recent runs have been encouraging and should be highly competitive with J-Mac aboard. Packing Angel is better than his last start suggested, but needs to cope with a wide draw. Endeared had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race if the pace suits. Legend St Paul’s has been placed last two starts but needs some luck from the wide draw.
Race 3: Patch Of Cosmo caught the eye with a fast-finishing fourth last time out and can make amends with a much better draw. Lifeline Express his recent runs have been encouraging and he is ideally weighted to run well again. Savvy Brilliant has been in great form, although the only concern is the top weight. Divano looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start and could make amends with better luck in running. Not Usual Star has ability but could be hard to follow. Consider if his odds offer value.
Race 4: Stellenbosch a top-class 3yo filly from Japan, she is ideally weighted to win this marathon contest, especially with Moreira aboard. Luxembourg finished a close second in the G1 Hong Kong Cup last year, and with the extra distance, he can go one place better with star jockey Ryan Moore in the saddle. Without A Fight 2023 Group 1 Melbourne Cup winner, he looks ready to peak rising to 2400m after finishing third over 2000m first-up. Dubai Honour has been competitive at the highest level and must be rated a strong chance. Iresine has the ability and can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form.
Race 5: Ka Ying Rising a rising star in career-best form, he should just win if he brings his A-game to the track. Lugal a Group 1-winning sprinter from Japan, he looks the main danger to the favourite. Satono Reve his last run was better than it reads, and he could run a cheeky race from a decent draw, especially with Moreira aboard. California Spangle likes to jump and race on-pace, and could be hard to run down if allowed an uncontested lead. Howdeepisyourlove stormed home for a nice second last start and should run well again with a genuine pace.
Race 6: Family Jewel finished a close second from a wide draw on his Class 3 debut and is poised to go one place better with a better draw this time. Sunstrider showed good improvement last start and appears to be a chance. Bravehearts a winner of last two starts, he now aims for a third straight win despite carrying top weight. Eighteen Carat a fast beginner who can run well if he finds a comfortable lead, which seems likely from a low draw. Star Mac with a racing style of getting back and charging home late, he needs a fast early speed to produce a big finish.
Race 7: Lazzat a star 3-year-old from France, he was unbeaten in his first six starts before finishing a close second in the $10m Golden Eagle. He must be considered a top contender. Jantar Mantar is arguably the best 3-year-old miler in Japan and should maintain his competitiveness despite facing an elite field. Galaxy Patch caught wide last start and still ran well. However, he needs some luck from the widest draw. Soul Rush flashed home to win a Group 1 feature in effortless fashion last start and must be seriously considered with Moreira aboard. Antino a Group 1 winner in Australia, he has been in great form and is primed to run a big race despite meeting a strong field.
Race 8: Romantic Warrior reigning Horse of the Year in Hong Kong, he has been in career-best form and is aiming to win this feature for a third straight year – an unprecedented feat in history. Liberty Island boasts an impressive record of four wins from seven starts in Group 1 races in Japan and looks the main danger to the favourite. Content she has the ability but her form is inconsistent. However, with Ryan Moore aboard, she cannot be ignored. Tastiera a proven performer at this level and rates in the chances. The Foxes won a Listed race easily last start and could prove a value choice.
Race 9: Johannes Brahms finished a solid third on his local debut and looks one to watch second-up, considering he boasts strong overseas form. Charming Legend has remained unbeaten from three starts to date and should go close again. Leslie with a strong turn of foot, he will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Markwin scored an easy win in Class 4 last time out and remains a chance despite rising to Class 3. Magnificent Nine appears well placed at the weights and can be in the finish.
Race 10: Packing Hermod tasted his first defeat last time out but is ideally placed in a winnable field to make amends. Rubylot failed his last start, but his previous form was solid, so worth giving another chance. Young Champion has the ability and can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form. Drombeg Banner a dangerous frontrunner, he could be hard to run down if given a soft lead. The Golden Scenery a proven performer at this level and rates in the chances des