Enhancing status as one of the world’s premier middle-distance gallopers with gripping victory in the HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) after a stirring battle with Voyage Bubble at Sha Tin on Sunday (25 February), Romantic Warrior will be given the chance to create more history by chasing a record third G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) win in April.
Setting the scene for the first showdown between the two most recent winners of the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), James McDonald concedes Voyage Bubble represents a serious challenge for Hong Kong’s ruling middle-distance champion Romantic Warrior in the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (25 February).
Douglas Whyte is proud as punch to train Russian Emperor and the fifth-season handler isn’t taking any of it for granted as he targets further history in the Middle East with the two-time Hong Kong Champion Stayer (2021/22 & 2022/23).
Having savoured the ultimate BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) experience with stable star Voyage Bubble last season, Ricky Yiu is bidding for successive Classic victories with emerging talent Simply Maverick.
Entrenched in the top five of the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship, Andrea Atzeni is hopeful of extending a fine season when he chases a hat-trick of victories on Cody Mo-trained Crystal Powerful in the Class 4 Tsun Yip Handicap (1200m) at Happy Valley on Thursday night (15 February).
With 43 wins so far, Teetan is second in the 2023/24 standings behind six-time champion Purton (63) after 44 meetings and hopes Pierre Ng stablemates Mugen and Galaxy Patch continue to make impressive headway.
Harry Bentley notched a double at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (7 February) with Eighteen Palms and Watch Buddy as the Englishman continued to build crucial impetus at the mid-season point of the Hong Kong racing season.
Delivering on lofty pre-race expectations with convincing victory in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (4 February), Helios Express will next attempt to emulate Golden Sixty with success in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on 3 March.
Aiming for his fourth success in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), John Size is optimistic Helios Express and Howdeepisyourlove can perform to expectations at Sha Tin on Sunday (4 February).
