3 minute read
The HK$5.35 million G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) tends to signal the return of Hong Kong’s big horses, especially in recent times, and Sunday’s (13 October) renewal at Sha Tin is no exception as those preparing for December’s HK$126 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races start to roll out.
Group 1 winners Voyage Bubble and Beauty Eternal resurface, as do Beauty Joy, Galaxy Patch, Red Lion, Straight Arron, Happy Together and La City Blanche.
Chancheng Glory just missed at Group 3 level last season to Galaxy Patch. The American bred by Mor Spirit is also first-up in this weekend's Group 2 with a featherweight impost (115lb before declarations) for jockey Lyle Hewitson and trainer Francis Lui.
"Fortunately, my weight has been pretty good, so I'll have him down at 116 (pounds), if it's good enough and I can get down to 115, then that'll be great. I did it for Call Me Glorious (on 1 October)," Hewitson said.
"My minimum is normally 117 pounds. I think it's worth it when you're riding these sorts of horses and, personally, when I felt him in the trial, I think he's better than ever."
Chancheng Glory missed by a nose behind Galaxy Patch in the HK$4.2 million G3 Lion Rock Trophy Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin last June. The pair met again in the HK$4.2 million G3 Premier Plate Handicap (1800m), also won by Galaxy Patch.
"He's taken another step forward this season. I would have no hesitation to say that at these sort of weight terms that he could be a very lively contender.
"When I just got touched off by Galaxy Patch, he was a little bit unlucky and he still got there to win. Next time, he (Galaxy Patch) was quite dominant in beating Chancheng Glory but he's gone up now (in rating) and we are getting that weight off him – it does swing things in our favour," Hewitson said.
Last-start HK$4.2 million G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) winner The Golden Scenery is the only runner in the field to have raced this season.
Chancheng Glory won six races last term. He is owned by the Chancheng Racing Syndicate and has earnings of HK$14.1 million. The 105-rater was fourth in his latest trial behind California Spangle on 4 October at Sha Tin.
"If he has taken that step forward, as I felt in the trial, then it's certainly going to make it interesting but I'm under no illusions that Galaxy Patch is a very good horse, too.
"I just know that my guy is going to show and bring a bold performance," Hewitson said.
Since 1994, only seven top-weighted runners have lifted the Sha Tin Trophy, while 11 have carried 120lb or less. The last two editions were won by California Spangle, carrying 133lb and 135lb, respectively.
Sha Tin Trophy winners include Silver Lining (1978 & 1981), Quicken Away (1990), Indigenous (1998), Viva Pataca (2008), California Memory (2011), Gold-Fun (2013), Military Attack (2014), Designs On Rome (2016), Beauty Generation (2017 & 2018) and Golden Sixty (2020).
Alexis Badel reunites with the Group 3-winning Happy Together on Sunday and said: "We know he's a good horse, we know he's very generous and that he's been ok over the mile – he should run a good race. I'm excited about riding him again."
The 110-rater was one of last season's top performers, winning five races, including the HK$4.2 million G3 January Cup Handicap (1800m) at Happy Valley. He also finished a quality fourth in the HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) last April.
"He's a good horse, I trust (trainer) Frankie (Lor) on that and we know the horse well. He was outstanding last season and if he keeps his form then he'll be very competitive anywhere," Badel said.
Badel has three wins this season, including victory atop Beauty Waves in the HK$4.2 million G3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m) on 1 October.
Hugh Bowman hops aboard Red Lion for trainer John Size in the Sha Tin Trophy. The 116-rater placed twice at Group 1 level last season over 1400m and 1600m.
"He's a consistent horse. I like him at a mile first-up, I'd imagine he'll improve for the run, whatever the case. He's quite well in at the weights with the way the handicap has worked out this week. It just gives him a chance; I think it's hard for him up in the weights against this company," Bowman said.
Size also saddles Beauty Eternal, winner of the HK$22 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) last start in April under Zac Purton. Voyage Bubble has been assigned 135lb as the Sha Tin Trophy's highest-rated runner.