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| Staff Writer |
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James McDonald is mapping out an ambitious schedule after his masterclass aboard Voyage Bubble in the Gr.1 Stewards' Cup at Sha Tin. The New Zealand ace faces a demanding turnaround between Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong commitments next month.
The timing couldn't be tighter for McDonald, who is slated to partner Romantic Warrior in the Gr.1 Saudi Cup in Riyadh before dashing to Hong Kong for Voyage Bubble's tilt at the Gr.1 Gold Cup. Trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai's charge awaits his regular pilot, but McDonald's Saudi engagement presents a significant hurdle.
"I'm hopeful rather than certain about making both rides," McDonald admitted, with the five-hour time difference adding complexity to his travel plans.
A direct Cathay Pacific service departing Riyadh at 12:45am could work if the Saudi Cup maintains its traditional 8:40pm start time. Landing in Hong Kong at 1:40pm would require special dispensation from the Hong Kong Jockey Club for McDonald to join the meeting in progress.
Private aircraft charter remains an option, though the estimated US$128,000 price tag appears steep against the US$93,000 jockey's percentage for a Gold Cup victory. However, McDonald's outstanding record of 12 wins from Hong Kong's last 23 Group One races might justify the investment.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has revealed 27 entries for the upcoming Classic Mile, with Packing Hermod and Rubylot headlining the nominations. Ramadan, who finished 14th in the Gr.1 Hong Kong Mile, will trial at Sha Tin before his intended run.
Other notable entries include Johannes Brahms, Markwin, Cap Ferrat, Divano, Fast Network, and John Size-trained Bundle Award, fresh from a weekend success. The final running order will be confirmed on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, 66 horses have been nominated for the prestigious BMW Hong Kong Derby in March, traditionally the city's premier racing event.