3 minute read
Sponsored by Longines, these four G1 races have attracted horses from all over.
The biggest contingent is from Japan and while they didn't have any winners in the four races last year they have got a good set of horses to compete with the locals.
In the Vase which starts things off at Race 4, we have looked at the prices in both Hong Kong and UK and both markets have Japanese 3yo sensation Stellenbosch on top. Australia's double-cup winner in 2023 Without a Fight has returned after a lengthy lay off and comes next in the UK at the moment. The Europeans come with Aidan O'Brien's Luxembourg due to retire after this race . Giavelotto has beem on the up but we prefer Dubai Honour, a much-travelled competitor who has the knack of doing the right thing at the right time. There has been a move overnight for French runner Marquisat, with Wednesday night's hero Mickael Barzalona riding for Andre Fabre: 6.9 in Hong Kong and 10/1 in UK.
The Sprint should be a first G1 and an 8th consecutive win for Ka Ying Rising with Zac Purton on board for David Hayes. He's been in brilliant form and David Haye has more than enough experience to keep him at top level. The best of the locals is probably California Spangle, who won in Dubai this year and will be reunited with Brenton Avdulla although there is quite a bit of support for Helios Express with Hugh Bowman riding for John Size. There is of course the Japanese contingent the best of whom is probably Lugal who returned from injury earlier this year and is now getting back to top form. Toshin Macao and Satono Reve are good sprinters but not amongst the greatest to have come from Japan.
The Mile that comes as Race 7 is perhaps the hardest to pick with good horses from Japan and Europe challenging the home team which is led by Voyage Bubble and backed up by Galaxy Patch. We like the Japanese Soul Rush here with Moreira riding for Hori and the promising but lightly raced Jantar Mantar with Kawada riding. France's Lazzat is not without a chance either with Jerome Reynier legging up Cristian Demuro. And the Aussie runner Antino could also show up.
The Cup looks like landing in the lap of Romantic Warrior for the third year running. He's odds-on of course with the most likely challenger being the Japanese mare Liberty Island (who is half Aussie) should she be back to her top form after returning from injury. The Irish are sending Content and Wingspan from the O'Brien yard. Content is the mount of Ryan Moore and has been given permission to wear ear plugs. Wingspan is one that we like a lot but this would require a big step up. Japanese runner Tastiera has talent but tends to mix up the form and Spirit Dancer recently won the Bahrain International Trophy for the second year running and much the delight of part-owner Sir Alex Ferguson. There's another local who we would put in the multiples if we have any money left and that is Straight Arran who is around 50/1 in UK, 36.0 in HK. He's on the up and will have Brenton Avdulla riding for Ricky Yiu.
As usual bet the Hong Kong horses outside of Hong Kong and the other runners in Hong Kong.
It will be a cooler day on Sunday with a predicted maximum of 20 and only a low chance of any rain.