Staff Writer |
An extraordinary assembly of international talent is poised to compete in Sunday's Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin, featuring four Group One contests that have drawn competitors from across the globe.
The Gr.1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m) has drawn a high-class international field, headed by Godolphin challenger Marquisat. The Andre Fabre-trained 4YO brings strong European form, having finished a nose second to last year's Vase victor Junko in the Gr.2 Grand Prix de Chantilly. That form received significant boosts when third-placed Dubai Honour went on to claim the Gr.1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, while fourth home Goliath later stormed to victory in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
"Marquisat has plenty of class and it's unfortunate we haven't quite seen the best of him yet," said jockey Mickael Barzalona. "He ran a great race after an absence when he was pipped by Junko at Chantilly – passing the post I thought we might have won – and then ran very well behind Goliath at Longchamp."
Melbourne Cup hero Without A Fight has secured the prized inside draw for trainers Anthony & Sam Freedman. "It's the shortest way home," remarked co-trainer Sam Freedman. "He's settled in really well, nice barrier. We're going to need a bit of luck at some stage which you always do in these races."
The race features multiple Group One winner Dubai Honour from stall six for trainer William Haggas, while Joao Moreira partners Japanese filly Stellenbosch from gate 13. Brenton Avdulla takes the mount on Five G Patch (barrier 11), and Kiwi ace James McDonald pilots Ensued from stall 8.
The 'Magic Man' Moreira brings an enviable record in this race, having claimed victory with Japanese raiders Satono Crown (2016) and Glory Vase (2019, 2021). Also in contention is Andrea Atzeni aboard Ka Ying Generation, facing his former mount Without A Fight, whom he partnered to six victories in Britain.
Romantic Warrior aims for an unprecedented third consecutive Gr.1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) victory after drawing perfectly in gate one. The Danny Shum-trained champion, who captured last year's Cox Plate under James McDonald, heads a strong field that includes Straight Arron (Brenton Avdulla, barrier 4), Japanese contender Tastiera (Damian Lane, 7) and Encountered (Hugh Bowman, 6). Mile Attracts International Assembly
The Gr.1 Hong Kong Mile sees Voyage Bubble (James McDonald, barrier 5) attempt to go one better than last year's second to Golden Sixty. Tony Gollan's Antino draws well in gate 4 under Blake Shinn, while Beauty Eternal (Zac Purton, 11) represents expatriate Australian John Size.
Brenton Avdulla partners Beauty Joy from the outside draw, with Mark Zahra aboard British raider Docklands (Harry Eustace, 2). Hugh Bowman takes the reins on Red Lion from barrier 12.
The Gr.1 Hong Kong Sprint features emerging talent Ka Ying Rising, drawn 11 for trainer David Hayes and jockey Zac Purton. "Whenever he runs, he runs very fast time," Hayes noted. "He's nearly broken the record the last four times he's run. He will win a Group One, it's just a when."
The sprint field includes Helios Express (Hugh Bowman, barrier 1), Recommendation (Mark Zahra, 8) for trainer Ciaron Maher, California Spangle (Brenton Avdulla, 2), Howdeepisyourlove (James McDonald, 6), and Invincible Sage (Blake Shinn, 12).
John Size saddles multiple runners across the card, while James McDonald continues his successful stint, having amassed 10 winners from six meetings at a remarkable 21 percent strike rate. His book includes promising rides on Charming Legend, Family Jewel, Divano and Run Run Timing.
The Hong Kong International Races have a distinguished history featuring champions like Highland Reel, Designs On Rome, and the recently retired sensation Golden Sixty, setting the stage for another memorable chapter in international racing.