He Jiong
Hong Kong racing roars back to Sha Tin on Sunday with an action-packed 10-race card, topped by the world-class Hong Kong International Races (HKIR).
Longines Hong Kong Vase
Overseas raiders have dominated the HK$26 million Group 1 Hong Kong Vase over the past decade, with Exultant in 2018 the only locally trained winner. Since then, European and Japanese contenders have each lifted the trophy three times. This year’s edition once again boasts strong international representation, headlined by several proven Group 1 performers.
Champion trainer Aidan O’Brien adopts an unusually streamlined approach, relying on a single runner: multiple Group 1 winner Los Angeles. The talented son of Camelot has scored seven times from 15 starts, including three victories at the highest level. His recent form, however, is mixed, having missed the placings in four runs since winning the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at Curragh in May. Should he rediscover his peak, he remains a genuine contender. Adding further depth is Al Riffa, trained by Aidan’s eldest son Joseph O’Brien. Winner of the Group 1 Irish St Leger two starts ago and a respectable seventh in the Melbourne Cup last time out, he arrives with top staying credentials. With regular jockey Dylan McMonagle aboard, he is expected to run boldly.
Defending champion Giavellotto bids to become the first back-to-back Vase winner since 2008 for trainer Marco Botti. The six-year-old appears to be peaking at the right time, having finished a strong fourth in the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in his most recent outing. France’s champion trainer André Fabre also presents a major threat with Sosie, who completed a Group 1 double at Longchamp earlier in the year and has placed in both runs this preparation, including a meritorious third in the Arc.
Japan’s sole representative, Urban Chic, is no stranger to elite company. Winner of last year’s Group 1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger), he flashed home for fifth in the Group 1 Tenno Sho Autumn in early November and looks capable of producing another strong performance.
Longines Hong Kong Sprint
Despite an elite field of 13 top-class sprinters, all eyes will be on superstar Ka Ying Rising in the HK$28 million Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin this Sunday afternoon.
The defending champion has only strengthened his claim as the world’s best sprinter since last year’s triumph, stamping his authority on the global stage with a stunning victory in the AU$20 million Group 1 Everest at Randwick in October—his first overseas assignment.
Given Australia’s reputation for producing the deepest sprinting ranks in the world, that win meant far more than its staggering prize money. He then returned to Hong Kong and, true to script, effortlessly dispatched a Group 2 field in the Jockey Club Sprint on 23 November.
If Ka Ying Rising turns up in his usual form on Sunday, the race could easily become a contest for the minor placings. Japanese raider Satono Reve, third in this event last year, again profiles as a key place chance after finishing fourth in the Group 1 Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama last start. His fellow runner Win Carnelian, who caused a major upset in that same race, looks capable of producing another forward showing given his positive racing style.
Among the local brigade, Helios Express, Lucky Sweynesse, and Fast Network all boast strong place prospects. Helios Express has chased Ka Ying Rising home on several occasions and typically finishes powerfully off a solid pace. Former Hong Kong premier sprinter Lucky Sweynesse is showing signs of rediscovering his peak form and commands respect, while Fast Network —who outran his rating to finish second in the Group 2 Jockey Club Sprint—remains an intriguing contender with two-time reigning Longines World’s Best Jockey James McDonald sticking with the ride.
Longines Hong Kong Mile
In contrast to the dominance of overseas raiders in the Hong Kong Vase, the HK$36 million Hong Kong Mile has increasingly become a stage for home-based contenders, with only two Japanese winners in the past decade.
Defending champion Voyage Bubble has gone from strength to strength since capturing this feature last year, becoming only the second horse to sweep Hong Kong’s Triple Crown for older horses. He arrives here off a solid second to Romantic Warrior in the Group 2 Jockey Club Mile, after which connections opted for the Mile rather than the Hong Kong Cup—a decision that now looks well judged. Another leading local hope is Galaxy Patch, who burst back to top form when storming home to win the Group 2 Jockey Club Mile. With champion jockey James McDonald retaining the ride, he appears primed to claim his first Group 1 victory. My Wish also comes through the same formline, finishing fourth after earlier landing two Group races this season. He likely raced too close to a strong tempo last start, and with a more patient ride, he is capable of turning the tables.
Japan mounts a strong challenge once again. SOUL RUSH, runner-up in this race last year, has missed the frame only once in five starts since and was outstanding when defeating Romantic Warrior in the Group 1 Dubai Turf at Meydan in April. Rising star filly Embroidery also commands attention. A two-time Group 1 winner with five victories from eight starts, she arrives off a powerful success in the Group 1 Shuka Sho at Kyoto.
Ireland is represented by The Lion In Winter, a progressive three-year-old colt trained by Aidan O’Brien. Already placed four times at Group 1 level from six attempts, he continues to improve, and his eye-catching third in the Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile last start makes him a compelling dark horse in this year’s renewal.
Longines Hong Kong Cup
The HK$40 million Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) is the showpiece of HKIR, and this year Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior bids for a history-making fourth consecutive victory. He headlines a seven-horse field featuring two Japanese raiders and two European contenders.
Romantic Warrior etched his name into history in 2024 when becoming the first horse to win three editions of the Longines Hong Kong Cup, Hong Kong’s richest race. He then embarked on a successful Middle East campaign, taking the Group 1 Jebel Hatta before finishing second in both the Group 1 Saudi Cup and Group 1 Dubai Turf. A fetlock surgery in May sidelined him for six months, but he returned in style three weeks ago in the Group 2 Jockey Club Cup, comfortably accounting for a strong field including Voyage Bubble. That authoritative win suggests he is right on target for a remarkable fourth Cup triumph this Sunday.
Between the Japanese duo, Bellagio Opera stands out as the leading hope. The two-time Group 1 winner has not raced since his courageous second in the Group 1 Takarazuka Kinen in June, which followed his dominant victory in the Group 1 Osaka Hai. His first-up record—four wins and three placings from nine attempts—further enhances his profile, and a bold fresh run looks likely. Fellow runner Rousham Park, although yet to win at the top level, has gone close and are capable of breaking through.
Trained by Joseph O’Brien, Galen was last seen making the running and finishing a brave second in the Group 2 Bahrain International Trophy first-up. With that run under his belt, additional improvement is expected, even against elite opposition.
Talented French mare Quisisana also warrants respect. A Group 1 winner of the Prix Jean Romanet in August, she subsequently finished ninth in the Arc before running third on British Champions Day. With top jockey Christophe Soumillon aboard, she poses a genuine threat.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Thousand Spirit set the pace and stuck on gamely for third in a fast run race last start. He could be hard to run down with a well-timed ride. Flying Boom caught the eye running home strongly last start, and from a low draw, he should map well and go close to winning. Aerovolanic dislodged the rider last start and deserves another chance in a field lacking depth. Rising Phoenix with a favourable draw, he is expected to show improvement with Purton aboard. Decision Link travelled wide last start and could secure a Top 3 finish with better luck in running.
Race 2: Circuit Grand Slam outperformed market expectations to cause an upset on his local debut, and has since trialled well. Geneva resuming from a break, he produced an eye-catching recent trial and must be respected with Bowman aboard. Armour War Eagle better than his recent form suggests, and from pole position, he looks capable of surprising at odds. Savvy Brilliant had genuine excuses last start (raced wide) and can improve with a more economical trip. Refusetobeenglish has trialled well since his fast-finishing fourth last start and should be right in the mix.
Race 3: Majestic Valour a smart 4YO, he comes off an impressive debut win and looks poised to go back-to-back in Class 4. Voyage Boss finished a meritorious fourth despite a wide trip last time out, and could prove a value pick. Packing Phoenix well-backed but disappointed last start; a sharp recent trial suggests he’s worth another look at the right price. Jubilant Star flashed home late into third last start but faces another wide draw this time. Stormy Knight has gradually shown improvement in trials and must be respected from a low draw on debut. TRAC
Race 4: Sosie a multiple G1 winner, he finished a slashing third in the Arc at Longchamp last start and shapes as a leading contender with top jockey Maxime Guyon aboard. Al Riffa won the G1 Irish St Leger in September and produced a solid effort first-up in the Melbourne Cup. Fitter now, he should play a key role. Los Angeles has mixed his form this year, but can certainly make an impact on his day, as shown by his G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup win in May. Giavellotto the defending champion looks to peak at the right time after a solid fourth in the Arc. Urban Chic a top-class stayer from Japan, he shapes as a genuine contender here after a solid fifth in the G1 Tenno Sho Autumn early last month.
Race 5: Ka Ying Rising has only strengthened his claim as the world’s best sprinter since last year’s triumph, highlighted by his stunning G1 Everest win at Randwick in October. Satono Reve a top-class Japanese sprinter, he finished third in this feature last year and looks the second best here. Helios Express possesses a blistering turn of foot and will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Has strong place claims. Fast Network proved his competitiveness at elite level last start, and a Top 3 finish wouldn’t surprise. Win Carnelian scored his first G1 win as an 8YO in the Sprinters Stakes last start, but this race looks challenging.
Race 6: Enthralled showed improvement with a fast-finishing fifth last start, and from a better draw, he should secure a spot in the Top 3 with Craig Williams aboard. Gentlemen Legacy has shown consistent form at this level and must be respected as Purton takes the reins. Prestige Good narrowly beaten in a slowly run race last start and looks one to follow. Pope Cody can upset more fancied rivals if he handles the rise to 1800m, and is worth considering as a value pick. Snowfield stormed home for third despite a slow tempo last time out. With a genuine pace, he will make his presence felt.
Race 7: My Wish has won two Group features this season, positioning himself as the next big deal in Hong Kong. From a low draw, he’s well placed to make amends for his last-start defeat. Voyage Bubble the reigning champion appears to be finding his form after a solid second in the G2 Jockey Club Cup last start, and the drop back in distance looks ideal. Soul Rush a star miler from Japan, runner-up in this race last year and now a G1 Dubai Turf winner, he remains a major threat despite the wide draw. Galaxy Patch stormed home to claim the G2 Jockey Club Mile in fine style last start, and with J-Mac retaining the ride, he remains a strong chance. Embroidery a two-time G1 winner from only eight starts, this gifted Japanese filly should acquit herself well even against elite opposition.
Race 8: Romantic Warrior a three-time Hong Kong Cup winner who shone in the Middle East and returned with a dominant Jockey Club Cup victory, he now shapes as a major threat to secure an unprecedented fourth triumph. Bellagio Opera the dual G1 winner resumes after a brave second in the Takarazuka Kinen, and his strong first-up record suggests another bold fresh run. Quisisana the G1 Romanet winner brings solid Arc and Champions Day form, and with Soumillon aboard, she looks a genuine contender. Rousham Park although yet to win at the top level, he has gone close and has strong place claims. Galen a talented frontrunner, he will set the pace but whether he can see it out in this G1 feature remains a question.
Race 9: Star Rise from a low draw, he should map closer to the speed and looks on track to break through locally. Everyone’s Star has shown consistent form in Class 3 and must be included among the better chances. Charming Legend showed good early speed in a recent trial and should sprint well fresh on his return. Juneau Pride a proven performer in this class, he found the line strongly late last start, but carrying top weight poses a challenge. Dragon Joy finished a solid fourth last time out, and with a kinder gate, further improvement is expected.
Race 10: Public Attention turned in a nice local debut, and with added fitness, he looks a major threat with champion jockey Criag Willaims aboard. Young Champion better than his recent form suggests and could run a cheeky race in this field. Markwin will relish the drop to 1400m, where he boasts a strong record. Karma with a more conservative racing style, he can make a strong late surge if the pace suits. Dancing Code possesses versatility in running and should map well from a low draw and be highly competitive.