Top HK stars to hit the headlines at Sha Tin

He Jiong

While sprinting superstar Ka Ying Rising chases a historic 17th straight victory in Sunday’s Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup — a feat that would draw him level with Silent Witness — the spotlight is likely to fall on the Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) and its blockbuster clash between Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble.

A proven global force, Romantic Warrior enjoyed a standout Middle East campaign last season, shattering the track record in the G1 Jebel Hatta before brave efforts in both the G1 Saudi Cup and G1 Dubai Turf. Back on home soil, the champion has remained unbeaten in two starts, most recently sealing an unprecedented fourth Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin. On paper, he holds the edge, having defeated Voyage Bubble in all three of their previous meetings.

However, Voyage Bubble enters at peak confidence. After finishing a game second to Romantic Warrior in the G2 Jockey Club Cup, he returned to his preferred mile trip to capture the G1 Hong Kong Mile. Back at his optimum distance, he shapes as a genuine threat to turn the tables.

With a decent draw, exciting four-year-old Patch Of Stars looks well placed to secure his sixth career victory in the Class 2 Handicap over 1200m.

The son of All Too Hard boasts an impressive record of five wins from just 13 starts and showed his class two runs back when defying a rise in grade to score narrowly but convincingly at his first attempt in Class 2. Last time out, circumstances were firmly against him, as a slow tempo and an awkward draw saw him settle further back than ideal. Even so, he made considerable late ground to finish a creditable fourth, an effort that reads better than it looks on paper.

With those excuses behind him, a much kinder draw and champion jockey Zac Purton retaining the ride, Patch Of Stars shapes as the one to beat. The main threat appears to be Invincible Shield, who looks ideally suited by the drop back to 1200m and should give the likely favourite a real run for his money.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Gold Patch has trialled well for his debut, and with James McDonald aboard, he shapes as a leading contender. Sparkling Fellow could have an edge over his rivals with the drop to Class 4, after a series of solid efforts in Class 3. Sky Cap could cause an upset dropping to the shortest trip and should not be overlooked. Live Wire finished strongly for third on debut and is expected to show further improvement as he gains experience. Spicy Speedy found only one too good on debut, though the form of that race remains unconvincing.

Race 2: Lucky Eight boasts a perfect record in this class and looks poised to run a big race with Purton aboard, despite the wide draw. Better And Better likely settled too close to the speed last start, and with a better-timed ride, he could finally break through. Sea Sapphire almost made all last start, albeit aided by a slow tempo, and could go one better under similar conditions. Gallant Design well prepared for debut with several trials and a forward showing wouldn’t surprise. Watch This One went close last start despite being held up in the concluding stages.

Race 3: Winning Wing outperformed his rating in a G3 feature last time out and looks one to follow dropping back to Class 2. Gentle- men Legacy found the line well late last start and his consistent form suggests another strong run looks imminent. Karma badly held up last time out and could finish in the money with a clearer passage. Bravehearts has mixed his form this season and is worth considering if his odds offer value. Ka Ying Generation was placed in a G2 feature three starts ago and could run a big race on his day, though the big weight and awkward draw pose a challenge.

Race 4: Packing Glory flopped last start after an impressive debut win, but has since trialled well and deserves another chance with Purton retaining the ride. Elegant Life forgive his last start when he bled and, based on previous form, he could be a good chance for David Probert to break his duck. Master Phoenix placed at long odds last time out, and with a good gate he should run well again. Little Monster comes off a solid second in a race with franked form, making him one to watch. Sunny Q will make a strong late surge if the pace suits, despite the wide draw.

Race 5: Gallant Epoch scored a strong on-pace win last start and a double looks well within his reach. Lucky Mcqueen underperformed last start but his previous form suggests he could bounce back anytime in this class. Super Dragon has trialled well since a fast-finishing sixth last start, but the form of that Class 4 Restricted race raises concerns. Monarch County showed marked improvement dropping back to Class 4 last start, but will need some luck from a wide draw. Turin Champions has placed twice from three starts but the widest gate could make things tricky.

Race 6: Ka Ying Rising the world’s best sprinter chases a historic 17th straight victory and looks mighty hard to beat. Fast Network has proven his competitiveness at the highest level recently and looks the second-best here. Helios Express with a more conservative racing style, he will make his presence felt late and should be right in the mix. Raging Blizzard placed at huge odds in a G1 feature last start and could run well again if things fall his way. Tomodachi Kokoroe has ability but looks more of a place chance in this lineup.

Race 7: Positive Smile scored an impressive win in this class last start and looks capable of securing a double despite the wide draw. Bigtime Generation has drawn well to make amends after an improved last-start effort. Proud Box was not beaten far in a fast run race last start after showing early speed, and could cause an upset with a kinder run. Smiling Falcon has shown improvement recently and warrants another chance in this open contest. All’s Well his recent efforts have been encouraging and he must be considered a strong contender from a good draw.

Race 8: Romantic Warrior has remained unbeaten at two local starts since returning from his Middle East mission and looks primed to secure a G1 double. Voyage Bubble showed great tenacity to claim the G1 Hong Kong Mile last start, though he is yet to beat Romantic Warrior in three prior meetings. My Wish touted as the next big deal in Hong Kong and now has a chance to prove it against two of the best gallopers. Galaxy Patch will unleash a strong late burst if they overcook it up front, but his racing style makes a place finish more likely. Red Lion could steal the show if these big shots underperform.

Race 9: Patch Of Stars has trialled well since a meritorious fourth last start, and from a better draw, he’s well placed to make amends. Invincible Shield suited by the drop back in distance and the low draw ticks another box. Gustosisimo produced a fair effort last time out and looks to get all the favours here. Packing Angel showed above-average potential last season, but the injury-induced break (arthroscopic surgery to both knees) remains a major concern. Lady’s Choice will appreciate the extra distance and could sneak into the placings at long odds.

Race 10: Rising Force defied a wide draw to score an impressive win last start and a repeat of that performance should see him hard to run down again, if he handles the rise to 1400m. Happy Index turned in a strong debut run and the booking of Purton enhances his winning prospects. Mickley could cause an upset with the drop to Class 3 and commands respect. Mount Everest may still have some ratings up his sleeve and should not be overlooked despite the rise in class. Wolf Coming appears well weighted to run well again after a slashing third last start.

Race 11: Dazzling Fit a promising 4YO, he will find this field more manageable and looks poised to return to the winner’s list from a favourable draw. Beauty Alliance finished strongly for fifth first-up and the extra distance should spark further improvement. Lovero comes off a tenacious win in this class and remains a strong chance despite the weight rise. Silo has not been beaten far in recent starts and could finally break through locally if conditions suit. Packing Fighter with added fitness, he is expected to show further improvement after finishing fourth on his local debut.