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| Staff Writer |
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Liberty Island, the world's top-rated 3YO filly of 2023, is leading a formidable Japanese challenge against local hero Romantic Warrior in Sunday's US$5.1 million Gr.1 Longines Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin. The daughter of Duramente, trained by Mitsumasa Nakauchida, returns after a disappointing comeback in the Tenno Sho Autumn, where she finished 13th following a seven-month layoff due to ligament issues.
The filly's credentials are impressive, having blazed through her juvenile and Classic seasons with remarkable consistency. She captured the Gr.1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies on just her third start before achieving the rare feat of sweeping Japan's Triple Tiara. Her excellence was further confirmed with a strong second to Equinox in the 2023 Japan Cup, earning her a world-class rating of 121.
Derby Winner Joins The Fray
Fellow Japanese challenger Tastiera, winner of this year's Japanese Derby, has been specifically targeted at this race by trainer Noriyuki Hori, who boasts an impressive record in Hong Kong with five Group One successes. The talented colt, who recently finished second in the Tenno Sho Autumn, will be reunited with Damian Lane, seeking their second Group One triumph together.
Bred by Northern Farm in Hokkaido, Tastiera has shown remarkable versatility throughout his career. After a stunning debut victory under Ryan Moore, he progressed to capture the Gr.2 Hochi Hai Yayoi Sho Deep Impact Kinen before his Classic campaign. His connection's decision to target Hong Kong rather than the Japan Cup speaks volumes about their confidence in his ability to handle international competition.
Andrew Balding's The Foxes adds significant international intrigue to the stellar field. The Dante Stakes winner, who has bounced back to form with a victory at Newcastle, represents the King Power operation and aims to emulate Balding's previous Hong Kong success with Phoenix Reach in the 2004 Vase.
The 4YO’s campaign has been carefully managed since his brave second in the Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes. Despite facing setbacks, his recent Newcastle triumph over Dubai Honour has restored confidence in the camp, with jockey Oisin Murphy reporting plenty left in reserve.
Hong Kong's challenge is bolstered by Ricky Yiu's duo of Straight Arron and Nimble Nimbus, both entering the race in peak condition according to their trainer. They'll be partnered by Brenton Avdulla and Andrea Atzeni respectively, with both horses showing promising form in the BOCHK Jockey Club Cup.
The Longines Hong Kong Cup has been a happy hunting ground for Japanese raiders, with six victories since 1999, including memorable triumphs by Agnes Digital (2001), A Shin Hikari (2015), and Maurice (2016). Hori himself contributed to this impressive record through Maurice's success, along with additional Hong Kong victories with Satono Crown in the 2016 Vase and Neorealism in the 2017 QEII Cup.
"Liberty Island is a filly with a huge amount of quality," says jockey Yuga Kawada, who has previous experience against Romantic Warrior with Prognosis. "I've ridden against Romantic Warrior a couple of times on Prognosis and I am very confident with how she measures up to Hong Kong's greatest hero."
The Carrot Farm team behind Tastiera has approached the international challenge with meticulous planning: "Because of the two-time environment changes for the departure quarantine and the trip to Hong Kong, the horse's condition is being carefully monitored and training plans are being made sometimes with jockey depending on his physical condition and feeling."
Balding remains optimistic about The Foxes' chances, drawing interesting parallels with his previous Hong Kong success: "He's got a fair bit to find with Romantic Warrior, but I think we are certainly in the mix with the others. He has come out of his recent win at Newcastle very well and I can't feel we could have him any better. I think The Foxes is quite similar to Phoenix Reach, to be honest."
The race presents a fascinating clash of international talent, with each contender bringing unique credentials to the table. Liberty Island's Classic-winning form, Tastiera's Derby success, and The Foxes' European class create an intriguing subplot to what promises to be one of the highlights of the international racing calendar. The presence of Yiu's local challengers adds another layer of intrigue to a race that has consistently produced memorable moments in Hong Kong racing history.