Sha Tin Preview - 14th December 2025

Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.

"LONGINES"
HONG KONG 
INTERNATIONAL RACE DAY 2025
 

WORLD TURF CHAMPIONSHIPS
SHA TIN
RACECOURSE
 

"INTERNATIONAL COMPETITORS"

"VASE - 2400m"

LOS ANGELES
AL RIFFA
GIAVELLOTTO
GOLIATH
SOSIE
URBAN CHIC
EYDON
 

"SPRINT - 1200m"
SATONO REVE    
WIN CARNELIAN
KHAADEM
 

"MILE - 1600m"
SOUL RUSH
DOCKLANDS
BEAUVATIER
THE LION IN WINTER
EMBROIDERY
 

"CUP - 2000m"
BELLAGIO OPERA
ROUSHAM PARK
GALEN
QUISISANA
 

Rail - A Course

R1 - 10,2,1,6,12

R2 - 8,5,11,6,9

R3 - 1,3,6,4,11

Race 4

"LONGINES" 
HONG KONG VASE  (WORLD POOL)
$26 Million HKD
(Gp1 - 2400m - Set Weights)

#5 SOSIE has all the ability required to get the job done here, as his form over the past 12 months would suggest, and is selected as the most likely winner of this years fascinating edition of the Hong Kong Vase.With two G1 wins this season in France under race day rider Maxine Guyon already established, and a recent third in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe over today's journey of 2400m, he's perfectly poised to notch up a career defining International G1 victory.He breezed up sweetly on the Sha Tin turf Wednesday morning before being given a quieter time Thursday morning with just one lap of the all weather track.He'll arrive to Sunday's race on extremely good terms with himself, as he's been all week, so if there is a query or worry factor, it'll focus around his attitude and behaviour after he arrives on track.

#3 GIAVELLOTTO was on the upward spiral last year when he won the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase and has arrived in similar form to defend his title.Although wins aren't as prevalent leading in as they were in 2024, current output levels are building to a similar peak in time for Sunday.His recent fourth for race day rider Andrea Atzeni in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was an excellent effort under the soft track conditions and he'll only be advantaged by the better ground in Hong Kong.He's arrived in good fashion and appears happy and content following relaxed work most days on the all weather surface.Race day jockey Andrea Atzeni got aboard Friday morning for a leisurely stroll, and the feel following the exercise was that of a team confident of going back-to-back.

#2 AL RIFFA arrives to Hong Kong a three time G1 winner and highly renowned stayer following a dazzling win in this years addition of the G1 Irish St Ledger.The Joseph O'Brien trained stallion then targeted the G1 Melbourne Cup in Australia butsettled to far back and the task became to greater challenge under handicap conditions.After pulling up particularly well, he was then shipped back to Ireland where he continued training before again jumping on another plane to Hong Kong.He looked mentally sharp and in great physical shape on Thursday morning so its difficult to fault him in any way, especially consider the aforementioned travel itinerary.The set weight scale suits better along with barrier 2, and with blinkers on for a second time it's predicted he'll be sharp enough at the 2400m.

#6 URBAN CHIC has handled most things thrown at him during his short career and you can guarantee he'll be feeling fitter for the one run back this campaign.A low draw is no real concern, as he likes to get back, but he'd prefer a solid gallop throughout or at least an increasing tempo from the half mile.It's a race were the tempo shall be reasonable considering the field size and coinciding barrier draws of candidates preferring to race close, which in theory, shall allow him to play to his strengths second half.His work on the turf Thursday morning was smooth, balanced and sharp in conclusion so be weary of his presence because he remains on the rise.

#4 GOLIATH wasn't at his best here last April when competing in the G1 FWD QEII Cup over 2000m but must be strongly considered stepping up to the Sha Tin mile and a half.A G3 win in France in June, and a G1 win in the Grosser Preis von Baden in Germany early September rate him accordingly, despite a tiring performance in the recent G1 Bredders' Cup Turf.Ideally, he'd prefer cushion in the track come Sunday but a low draw entitles him to position handy to speed and hard up against the rail.He's renown for being a good traveller and nothing appears to have changed since his arrival.

Selections : 5,3,2,6,4

Race 5

"LONGINES" 
HONG KONG SPRINT      (WORLD POOL)
$28 Million HKD
(Gp1 - 1200m - Set Weights)

#1 KA YING RISING ended season 2024/2025 with a twelfth consecutive victory by claiming the Gp1 Chairman's Sprint Prize and Hong Kong "Horse of the Year" title before being aimed directly at a trip to the Gp1 Tab Everest in Sydney/Australia.It was a memorable performance to successfully navigate travel and quarantine procedures before wowing a world wide audience with a dominant and inspirational display.Now comfortably back on home soil, he recently embarked on the first up challenge of defending a fifteen consecutive win sequence in the G2 Jockey Club Sprint, which all went safely to plan.Withback-to-back Internationals Sprint titles and a 16 consecutive winning sequence now on the line, one shy of the great SILENT WINTNESS, no stone has been left un-turned.The inside draw may limit initial options, but in all likelihood it'll be business as usual for the King of Kong once Zac Purton pushes him through the gears.

#4 HELIOS EXPRESS is currently rated the third best sprinter in Hong Kong behind the all conquering KA YING RISING and four time Gp1 winner LUCKY SWEYNESSE.He's had multiple cracks at KA YING RISING in the past and is yet to measure up but is on the verge of taking over the mantle as Hong Kong's new number two.He returned to work in the Gp2 Premier Bowl with a tradesman like performance under weight, before most recently edging past LUCKY SWEYNESSE in the final strides of the G2 Jockey Club Sprint.With his form poised to peak he should beat the rest because his hunger to succeed under the highest of pressure is clearly what makes him tick.

#2 SATONO REVE was less than a length behind KA YING RISING in this exact contest 12 months ago before returning in April to finish second in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize.On both occasions, he was able to position well from the low/medium gate, with the situation now likely to be franked on Sunday after drawing favourably in barrier four.Furthermore, jockey Ryan Moore returned satisfied from a solid turf gallop Thursday morning whilst also suggesting he'd adapted quickly to the familiar surroundings.With another preparation successfully completed its difficult to suggest he won't run well. 

#10 RAGING BLIZZARD is thoroughly deserved of his opportunity to compete at International level for the first time following a fast finishing second in the Gp2 Premier Bowl and similar type performance in the G2 Jockey Club Sprint.He's considered a virtual course and distance specialist following seven top two finishes over the Sha Tin 1200m and couldn't be better prepared for this encounter.Only a career best performance can challenge the world's greatest sprinter, and even that wont probably be enough, but he continues climbing the ratings mountain and should therefore be exotically included. 

#3 LUCKY SWEYNESSE was king of the Hong Kong sprinting ranks a few seasons back after conquering this event in 2024 before injury brought about the end of a dominant streak.A lame left front leg, and left fore fetlock surgery ultimately claimed a year of his career before two honest efforts in return at the end of last season.He then fired up racing enthusiasts with a hard-core chase of KA YING RISING before drawing poorly and failing at his next overseas start.He travelled back soundly to dish up an improved effort in the G2 Jockey Club Sprint and has subsequently continued to work like a runaway train.A good warm up on the way to the gates hopefully transpires, because he's almost back to his best.

Selections : 1,4,2,10,3

R6 - 5,2,12,3,7

Race 7

"LONGINES" 
HONG KONG MILE     (WORLD POOL)
$36 Million HKD
(Gp1 - 1600m - Set Weights)

#1 SOUL RUSH possesses the depth, heart and required experience around Sha Tin circuit to finally win following a fourth in the 2023 edition of the G1 Hong Kong Mile behind GOLDEN SIXTY, and second last year behind defending champ VOYAGE BUBBLE.Connections, once again have to deal with the disappointment of drawing a double figure exit point after pulling marble 10 but otherwise couldn't be more confident after another superb preparation.Furthermore, his coat was gleaming as he came onto the track for a 1200m piece of exercise Thursday morning before returning to the stables with a sparkle in his eye.With a courageous defeat of the almighty ROMANTIC WARRIOR in the G1 Dubai Turf in April already in his back pocket, wouldn't it be fitting to see him triumphant at his career swansong.The standout looker throughout the week.

#5 GALAXY PATCH was undefeated first up going into the recent Gp2 Sha Tin trophy but an average start and traffic congestion, particularly in the home straight, brought that sequence to an end.He then went back to the trials on two separate occasions to make headway in the fitness stakes and consequently brought a new level of energy to the G2 Jockey Club Mile, which he won. James McDonald has since been upbeat about his prospects right throughout the week and with the early speed map pointing in the direction of a scramble for spots, the level of movement required for him to join in is likely to be on side.

#2 VOYAGE BUBBLE would've been crowned Hong Kong's "Horse Of The Year" last season, if it wasn't for KA YING RISING, after winning four G1 races over varying distances from 1600m - 2400m.With a rating of 121, the defending champion won't be an easy nut to crack despite potentially having to work early after drawing wide out in gate 12.His track work following his last start second behind ROMANTIC WARRIOR in the G2 Jockey Club Cup has been controlled and perfectly sound, so it'll be a pleasure to watch and see if he can go back-to-back.

#10 MY WISH was superb in last seasons 4yo Classic Series where he narrowly tasted defeat in the Hong Kong Classic Cup and Hong Kong Derby, but won the Hong Kong Classic Mile.He possesses excellent tactical speed, is capable of finding under immense pressure, whilst importantly possessing the ability to break 22.00 seconds through the final 400m dash.He put it all on the table first up carrying weight to win the Gp3 Celebration Cup before a 15lb reduction assisted him in conquering the G2 Sha Tin trophy.A surprise defeat in the G2 Jockey Club Mile as the 1.4Fav now has the red lights flashing, but he cannot be sacked off the back of one uncharacteristic glitch. 

#14 EMBROIDERY is a highly talented and progressive 3yo filly who should be respected following two victories at the highest level earlier this year.She's looking to emulate the feats of her fantastic father AMDIRE MARS, who won this event in 2019.With Christophe Lemaire her regular partner since she began racing eight starts ago we can be confident she'll receive the important guidance through this challenging affair.Moreover, what makes her dangerous to the opposition is her ability race tactically versatile, the 3yo fillies allowance and her explosive instantaneous power.

Selections : 1,5,2,10,14   

Race 8

"LONGINES"
HONG KONG CUP     (WORLD POOL)
$40 Million HKD
(Gp1 - 2000m - Set Weights)

#1 ROMANTIC WARRIOR returned to racing a 7yo in the G2 Jockey Club Cup and there was never a worrying moment as he powered away from VOYAGE BUBBLE to comfortably win.With victories at the highest level in Hong Kong, Australia, Japan and Dubai he's the true meaning of the title "CHAMPION" and it'll be fascinating to witness the pursuit of an unprecedented fourth and consecutive G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup.With an all weather track gallop on November 30th and two further Sha Tin turf gallops on the 4th and 9th of December soundly completed, all with James McDonald aboard, the terminology "ready to roll" best describes the occasion.The field size is small, and the opposition realistically inferior, so it'll be a deflating and stunned environment if the unthinkable happens, and he gets beat. 

#2 BELLAGIO OPERA is a two time G1 winning son of LORD KANALOA who arrives in Hong Kong with just the two outings under his saddle this year.Nevertheless, the chatter floating around Hong Kong from those closest to him during week is that of supreme optimism.He's been involved in activity every morning with the aim to keep him highly focused, but at the same time off edge.A switched on piece of work on the all weather track Saturday morning was also undertaken with trainer Hiroyuki Uemura sitting behind the wheel.His race pattern is to position front and center so he'll no doubt be attempting to stay in front of ROMANTIC WARRIOR for as long as he possibly can.  

#7 QUISISANA hasn't done a lot wrong in her short career of 10 starts which incorporates a G1 win against her own sex in the G1 Prix Jean Romanet at Deaville in August.Market support was then very much evident in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe but after racing forward initially she just battled through the final 500m of the 2400m classic event.An extremely honest third placing then followed in the G1 British Champion Stakes at Ascot which was run on firmer ground.Returning back to 2000m appears an excellent option considering her reasonably long campaign so she creates plenty of interest.

#5 STRAIGHT ARRON has been a hot and cold performer in the context of his entire career but when you've won nearly $23 million HKD in prize money, it's hard to be critical.He arguably should've defeated ROMANTIC WARRIOR in the G1 Hong Kong Cup in 2023 but interference denied him of a crowning glory.A similar performance here today for new trainer David Hayes would however have him somewhere in the finish, with the blinkers also interestingly applied last start.The inside draw is a bonus, as is the booking of Australian Craig Williams, so there wont be any excuses.

#4 GALEN is yet to feel the pressures associated with International G1 racing but stands out as the noted front runner who could keep things honest in the small field.He was narrowly overhauled in a G2 contest over this distance recently by an intriguing galloper who holds form around the monster, DELACROIX.He'll be required to push hard early, if he's to cross the field heading out of the stretch the first time, and that's precisely what's expected to happen.

Selections : 1,2,7,5,4 

R9 - 2,3,6,12,9

R10 - 12,14,13,8,4