Rubylot, My Wish could fight out HK Derby

Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday for an exciting 10-race fixture, headlined by the BMW Hong Kong Derby, the final leg of the Four-Year-Old Series.

The BMW Hong Kong Derby over 2000m features an elite field of 14 contenders, with several promising four-year-olds vying for ultimate glory.

Leading the pack is the David Hayes-trained Rubylot, who claimed the Hong Kong Classic Cup in emphatic fashion last time out under jockey Brenton Avdulla. A repeat of that performance will likely see him secure the Derby title. However, this year’s Classic Mile winner My Wish, who finished only 0.75 lengths behind Rubylot in their last meeting, could potentially reverse the result if he can settle closer to the pace, as this field appears to lack frontrunners.

Though he has not competed in the first two legs of the 4YOs Series, Beauty Alliance has been in excellent form recently. His impressive Class 3 victory over 1800m at Happy Valley last time out suggests he is a strong contender this week, especially given his positive racing style. Meanwhile, Johannes Brahms, Bundle Award, Packing Angel, and Markwin could all be in the mix.

Undefeated three-year-old Magnifique looks poised to extend his perfect record in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m at Sha Tin this Sunday.

After an impressive debut win over 1000m, Magnifique successfully handled the step up to 1200m and an awkward draw to secure back-to-back victories in Class 4 last time out. That form has been validated, with both the runner-up and third placegetter producing strong efforts since.

Magnifique has since trialled well to maintain his condition, and while he faces a Class 3 test for the first time, he appears to have more ratings in store and remains the one to beat. - iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Super Express another promising newcomer from John Size’s stable, he has trialled well for his debut and should run a big race. Top Dragon has been knocking on the door, and a below-par Class 4 field gives him a good chance to break through. The Heir has dropped in the ratings and must be respected with Moreira aboard. Joyful Treasure suited by the drop in distance and could surprise at odds after a luckless run last time out. Forerunner his recent runs have been encouraging, suggesting he can bounce back anytime in Class 4.

Race 2: Packing Hermod appears highly suited by dropping to 1400m, where he has a reliable record, and is poised to make amends with Moreira aboard. Young Champion scored an easy win in this class last time out and a double is within his reach. Divano another contender who will relish the drop in distance, he should run well from an inside draw. Healthy Happy well placed with the apprentice claim, he could be hard to catch if allowed an uncontested lead, which looks likely in this small field. Dancing Code could finish in the money if the pace suits his racing style.

Race 3: Spirit Of Peace hit the line strongly last start and is ideally placed in a field with several front-runners drawn wide. Island Breezes should map well from an inside draw and be highly competitive in this race, especially with Moreira aboard. Lucky Sam Gor likes to get back and charge home late and will perform well under the right race shape. Sky Deep found only one too good in his last two starts, but the wide draw remains a concern this time. Harold Win a natural front-runner, he will deliver a strong performance if he can cut across easily from a wide draw.

Race 4: Ahren narrowly beaten by the talented Crossborderpegasus on debut, he is primed to go one better with added experience. Parterre showed tactical speed last start and should play a key role with a favourable draw. Enjoy Golf has been in consistent form and de- serves respect with Bowman in the saddle. Amazing Run is better than his recent form suggests and could surprise at odds. Sight Dreamer had excuses last start (raced wide) and will need a good steer from Ryan Moore to win, with a wide draw again.

Race 5: Tamra Blitz has regained his form recently and looks a strong contender in this wide-open contest. Armour War Eagle scored an overdue win last start and remains a strong chance in Class 3. Endeared the return to turf and drop in distance are both positive, making him one to watch with Craig Williams aboard. Everyone’s Star ignore his last start, where he was significantly hindered by a slow start, and give him another chance here. Solid Impact with a strong turn of foot, he is likely to make his presence felt if the pace suits.

Race 6: Oriental Smoke raced on speed and stuck on well to finish second in his last two starts. From a much better draw, he is primed to go one better. Mister Dapper an easy last-start winner, his rating may still have room for improvement. Beato will relish the drop to Class 4 and can make a strong late surge if they overdo it up front. Lucky Fionn justified heavy betting support with a narrow win in this class last start. He looks on track for a double from an inside draw. Master Trillion should perform well with Moreira aboard, provided he can handle the rise in distance.

Race 7: Beauty Alliance has shown vast improvement in his last two starts, including an effortless Class 3 win last time, and looks to peak at the right time for the Derby. Rubylot won the Classic Cup in emphatic fashion last start, and another bold performance looks imminent. My Wish he must be considered a strong contender, following his encouraging efforts in the first two legs of the 4YOs Series. Packing Angel flashed home late to finish just outside the placings in the Classic Cup last start, and should be in the mix if he can see out the 2000m trip. Johannes Brahms stormed home to finish third in the Classic Cup last time, and with a genuine pace, he should run well again.

Race 8: Nucleozor unbeaten from three starts in New Zealand, he has trialled well for his Hong Kong debut and looks a strong contender with Soumillon aboard. Masterofmyuniverse turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly, and should not be overlooked despite the wide draw. Lady’s Choice a proven performer at this level, he could be hard to peg back if allowed a soft lead. Pakistan Legacy has not been beaten far in both starts and should be included in exotic bets. Goko Win capable but unpredictable, he could cause an upset on his day.

Race 9: Magnifique two from two to date, he looks to be highly progressive and is poised to complete a hat-trick despite stepping up to Class 3. Invincible Shield scored a tenacious win in this class last time and looks the biggest threat to the favourite. Triumphant More has been improving with each run and proved his competitiveness with a strong win in Class 3 last time out. Super Infinity a handy type resuming from a break, he is one to watch given his impressive first-up record. Majestic Express his last run was much better than it appeared and he could surprise at odds.

Race 10: Enthralled defied a wide draw to score a strong win in a slowly run race last time out. With a decent draw, he is primed for back-to-back victories. Winning Wing holding form with a recent trial, he is edging closer to a win after a close second last start. Liveandletlive possesses good early speed and will give them something to chase if let alone up front. Pray For Mir was narrowly beaten in his last two starts and must be considered. Solid Win caught the eye running home powerfully last start and could sneak into the placings at value.