Yiu seeks G1 breakthrough with Voyage Bubble

Ricky Yiu is hopeful Voyage Bubble can become Hong Kong’s newest Group 1 champion with victory in the HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday and enhance prospects of potential overseas assignments.

The winner of 2023 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), Voyage Bubble was a last-start second to Golden Sixty in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile (1600m) to confirm undisputed class, but Yiu believes the Deep Field five-year-old still has scope for further improvement.

“Let's see how much this horse can give. The impression I have is there is another level,” Yiu said of Voyage Bubble, who reunites with James McDonald and starts from barrier three in a field of eight.

“I would say (I am) optimistic. He will definitely perform again.”

Rated 113, Voyage Bubble has emerged as an elite miler, building a formidable reputation in the process by posting five wins and six minor placings from 14 starts for prizemoney of HK$33.7 million.

Referencing suggestions Voyage Bubble had initially been under-rated, Yiu said: "Yes, but that was from last season. This season is another story - there is no doubt about it (the horse’s class).

“We'll see how he goes on Sunday and then we can definitely think about possible races for him to run overseas. Dubai and one of the races in Australia, maybe - there are a few options there.”

Voyage Bubble will face California Spangle, Straight Arron, Russian Emperor, Beauty Eternal, Beauty Joy, Healthy Happy and Fantastic Treasure.

Douglas Whyte views Sunday’s contest as a launching pad for Russian Emperor as the champion stayer begins a preparation which will potentially include a defence of the QAT G1 H.H. The Amir Trophy (2400m) in Doha on 17 February.

To be ridden by Andrea Atzeni, Russian Emperor has not raced since finishing eighth behind Straight Arron in the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on 19 November.

“He's come a long way and done everything I've asked of him. I sat on him for a turf gallop this week and he feels amazing,” Whyte said. "I think the break has done him the world of good but beside that, he's aggressive and he wants to attack the races - he's missed it and he's feeling good.

“I think it's a forgone conclusion that 1600 metres is way short of his true distance but he's got to have a starting point and get some miles in and some racing rustiness out of the way, so it's a good starting point.

“From the horse's health perspective and from what I see, he's doing fantastically well and I'm happy with him.”

Whyte indicated Russian Emperor would leave for Qatar early next month providing everything goes well in the Stewards’ Cup. - Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Typical wide-open Class 5 to kicks things off. Choicerus making Class 5 debut and looks to get all the favours from barrier 1 under Bowman. Daily Trophy drops down in grade and start following. Showed enough at the bottom of Class 4 to suggest he can prove competitive on the downgrade here. Nordic Combined on the back up from Wednesday night. Chance here if he handles the quick turnaround. Rattan World can run in a race like this with a safe beginning. Sweet Diamond looks a solid good chance based on last start.

Race 2: Golden Rise looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Weak Class 4 race where he should prove hard to beat now that he’s had a run over 1400m. Charity Bingo down in class here and can surprise. McDonald rides and form can improve here. Californiatotality form is good and is getting close to a win. Third-up now and should run a big race. River Views has early speed and can always surprise with the right run, he will try and make all in the running. Circuit Mighty down in class in this race and should perform better. Drawn wide but is proven in this class.

Race 3: Only a small field here but a few standout chances. Wunderbar nice 3YO with a good chance to keep the ball rolling here from barrier 2. He can win again for McDonald. Ka Ying Rising narrowly beaten to Wunderbar last start and has what it takes to turn the tables but barrier 10 of 10 does looks tricky. Kyeema turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability. Ima Single Man down in class here and can surprise. Parterre eased early before going on to make late ground. Place chance at odds.

Race 4: Open race with many chances. Fun Elite turned in a very nice debut run when winning well and looks to have good ability. Speedy Fortune improving with racing and getting close to another win. Drawn well for the straight and Purton rides. Sky Trust well prepared for debut and is worth considering. Rubylot holding form with recent good trial and looks well. He will be suited by a fast-run race and receives every chance here. Super Commander won well last week and will vie to make all in the running again.

Race 5: Lucky Planet remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here from barrier 3 under Teetan. This is his shot to break through. Compassion Spirit has a great record in this class and must be respected on the downgrade. Superb Kid down in class here and can surprise. Runs at the bottom of Class 3 had merit to them. Take Action having second start and can improve with experience after performing with merit on debut. Setanta has raced well in this class before and should be considered. He will get back and run on.

Race 6: Geneva costly yearling who has trialled well for debut and should be rated a chance first-up from a low draw under Bowman. Super Goldi impressive debut performance and clearly has nice ability. He should have what it takes to measure up in a higher grade. Triumphant Warrior having third start and may improve here after showing promise in two runs so far. Pingwu Sparkle having second start and can improve with experience after fading late on debut. Gangnam Star finished powerfully when ridden cold last start. Can map handier from a low gate which will enhance his chances.

Race 7: Group 1 racing returns to Sha Tin. Voyage Bubble looks the one to beat based on current form after his solid second-place finish to Golden Sixty in the Hong Kong Mile. California Spangle three poor runs recently but should get all the favours from barrier 2 here. Beauty Eternal disappointing last start but worth giving another chance. Will need luck from gate 8. Beauty Joy looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Should be going very close late here. Healthy Happy a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, which he should in this type of race. Can give a good sight at odds.

Race 8: Ensued highly promising 4YO who continues to improve and assert himself as a genuine Derby contender. From barrier 4 he remains the one to beat. C P Brave changed stables recently and has improved, evidenced by his impressive two wins on the trot. Butter- field good performance when storming home for a nice second last start and is back in form. Woodfire Bro has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. He looks a genuine chance from gate 2. The Best Peach placed three from past five and appears to be a chance here but he gets back in the run and required luck.

Race 9: Howdeepisyourlove nice 4YO with a good chance to bounce back here. He looks primed for the 1400m now and finds a race with plenty of speed on which will enhance his chances. Global Harmony scored a big win last start and it will pay to keep following despite the rise in class. Mugen highly promising galloper who appears a great chance to win on the light weight. Drawn wide for his first try over 1400m but will be strong late. Dancing Code well-placed and looks a chance in race like this. Red Lion has ability and is always dangerous in this grade.

Race 10: The Heir looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He finally draws an inside gate, which should make a world of difference to his chances. Ready to win. Storm Rider scored a big win last start and it will pay to keep following despite the rise in class. This isn’t a strong race. Midori Burly looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start. Endeared last start winner who rises in class but can measure up. Armour War Eagle turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability.