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Romantic Warrior accelerated preparations for the HK$5.35 million G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on 17 November and the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on 8 December with a strong trial win at Happy Valley this morning (Saturday, 5 October).
Ridden by Hugh Bowman, Hong Kong's reigning Horse of the Year surged out of the barriers to take up the early running in the 1700m trial and was never headed, cruising to a one and a quarter length win over Fortune Superstar and fellow BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) victor Massive Sovereign in 1m 48.41s.
Romantic Warrior was really good, he feels good," Bowman said. "He was a bit fresh today. He doesn't usually come out of the gates like that.
"I didn't want to get caught in the traffic around Happy Valley, either, so when he jumped well, I was happy to roll forward on him. Of the few times I've ridden him, I think it's the first time I've let him go to the front.
"He sustained a really nice pace throughout and extended up the straight without too much encouragement. He had a good blow but his fitness levels continue to improve."
The winner of eight Group 1s and HK$151.92 million in prizemoney, Romantic Warrior will overtake retired champion Golden Sixty's world record earnings of HK$167.17 million with success in both the BOCHK Jockey Club Cup and LONGINES Hong Kong Cup – a race he has already won twice.
Beyond that, Shum is considering an ambitious schedule which could include tilts at the G1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) in Riyadh on 22 February, the G1 Dubai World Cup (2000m, dirt) at Meydan on 5 April and a possible return to Japan, where he last season claimed the G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) after becoming the first Hong Kong horse to land the G1 W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley in Australia.
Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday (6 October) with a 10-race card starting at 1pm with the Class 5 Tung Lung Chau Handicap (1800m).