Hong Kong Racing
Sha Tin Preview - 23rd November 2025
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
"BANK OF CHINA"
Hong Kong Race Day
"Feature Events"
Race 6
BOCHK JOCKEY CLUB SPRINT
(Gp2 - 1200m - Set Weights/Penalties)
Race 7
BOCHK JOCKEY CLUB MILE
(Gp2 - 1600m - Set Weights/Penalties)
Race 8
BOCHK JOCKEY CLUB CUP
(Gp2 - 2000m - Set Weights/Penalties)
"Japanese Simulcast"
Turf Mile Championship - KYOTO
(Gp1 - 1600m - Set Weights)
Rail B+2 Course
R1 - 11,5,4,6,3
R2 - 9,1,2,3,11
R3 - 9,1,7,12,14
R4 - 7,5,2,3,1
R5 - 7,12,1,14,2
Race 6
Jockey Club Sprint
(Gp2 - 1200m - Set Weights/Penalties)
#1 KA YING RISING ended last season with a twelfth consecutive victory claiming the Gp1 Chairman's Sprint Prize.He secured the Hong Kong "Horse of the Year" title along the way before being aimed directly at a trip down-under to contest the Gp1 Tab Everest in Sydney.It was a monumental effort to successfully navigated quarantine procedures, plus-plus, before wowing a world audience with an awesome and high tension winning display.Now back on home soil, he's ready to embark on the challenge of defending titles and records previously built with everything seemingly in check.It should be business as usual for the King of Kong following a lovely preparatory trial.
#8 TOMODACHI KOKOROE has set the Sha Tin track alight during the last month with three high calibre wins in fast time.He's one of the great revelations of the Hong Kong season to this point and is appropriately prepared to tackle a race of this calibre and depth.It's his first attempt at Gp2 level under the set weights and penalties scale which is an entirely different assignment to anything he's previously experienced.However in his defence, the sectional data he produced most recently when winning the G2 Premier Bowl implies he'll be keeping KA YING RISING very honest.
#7 RAGING BLIZZARD is poised to shine following his fast finishing 2nd in the Gp2 Premier Bowl behind TOMODACHI KOKOROE and must be respected.He gets in better at the weights, against the aforementioned winner, and is on the verge of a specialist course and distance classification.Only a career best performance can challenge the world's greatest sprinter for the win, but he's climbing the mountain rapidly which predicts a fascinating confrontation, and ultimately to see how close he can get to the worlds best.
#2 LUCKY SWEYNESSE was king of the Hong Kong sprinting ranks a few seasons back but injury brought about the end of his 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 behind KA YING RISING first up when finishing second, before drawing poorly and eventually failing in Japan at his most recent outing.He's travelled back soundly and has since galloped like a train with no brakes, so he's almost back to his best.
#3 HELIOS EXPRESS is rated the third best sprinter in Hong Kong behind the all conquering KA YING RISING and four time Gp1 winner LUCKY SWEYNESSE.He returned to work, after a lengthy spell, in the Gp2 Premier Bowl with a tradesman like performance under big weight.With his form to peak on International Day in December I'm wearily predicting he'll need another run, but at the same time respectful of his capabilities and hunger to succeed under the highest pressures.
Selections : 1,8,7,2,3
Race 7
Jockey Club Mile
(Gp2 - 1600m - Set Weights/Penalties)
#7 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 big weight to win the Gp3 Celebration Cup before a 15lb reduction assisted in conquering the G2 Sha Tin trophy.He's rated the number one 4yo from last season and on the verge of star status.
#2 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.Since then, he's been back to the trial track on two occasions and made notable headway in the fitness stakes.James McDonald now jumps aboard and he's well suited at the weights so expect an improved finishing position, provided he stays clear of any home stretch bother.
#13 LIGHT YEARS CHARM was exceptional in victory at his final three starts last season both visually on the eye and sectionally on the clock.Trainer David Eustace has kept him fresh following his two runs back over 1400m with only two track gallops since his last start win on the 9th of November.It's just his second attempt over the mile and first attempt at Gp2 level under set weights, but the strong pace anticipated shall see the race run to suit.
#5 HAPPY TOGETHER found his best form in a long time at the end of last season and despite the change in class and weight structure should be considered in the exotic conversation.He can secure a beneficial position in running from barrier seven and the re-booking of Alexis Badel to the saddle, with his soft hands, is a major plus.The hood went back on last start to keep him relaxed and it brought about the desired result.
#11 ENCOUNTERED struggled with the depth of opposition for most of last season but has recaptured that winning passion and physical soundness since arriving in the stable of Brett Crawford. The former Manfred Man/David Hall trained runner certainly knows how to win and the change of environment has brought about a rise in output levels. It'll take a perfect steer from the inside barrier to get himself into the finish but he's racing with intense enthusiasm and should be entertained.
Selections : 7,2,13,5,11
Race 8
Jockey Club Cup
(Gp2 - 2000m - Set Weights/Penalties)
#1 ROMANTIC WARRIOR returns to racing in his homeland of Hong Kong a 7yo today and there's no doubt all eyes shall be on the great champion in the yard.With wins 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 what he brings to the table first up.Remarkably, the only time he was defeated first up was in 2023 when he finished fourth at Flemington, before going on to create history next start by winning the Gp1 Cox Plate in Australia.He won't be at one hundred percent, but at the same time not far off following three satisfying barrier trials, so sit back and enjoy the show.
#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 local rating of 121 he's the third best horse in Hong Kong and despite an uncharacteristic poor performance first up should bounce back quickly.His track work since has been sound and trial with Zac Purton aboard graded perfect, so it'll be a pleasure to watch and see if he can turn the engine back on.
#4 STRAIGHT ARRON has been a hot and cold performer in the context of his career but when you've won $21 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 deserved crowning glory.A similar performance today for new trainer David Hayes would have him right amongst the finish, with blinkers intriguingly applied for the first time.
#6 BUNDLE AWARD has handled most things thrown at him by trainer John Size and you can guarantee he'll be feeling fitter for the two runs back.A widish draw is no concern, because he likes to get back, but he shall require speed on to pick up quickly in the straight.It's a race we'll learn plenty from going forward to the bigger events next month but I'm confident he's capable of further elevating his rating.
#3 BEAUTY JOY was preparing for retirement at the end of last season before a dominant victory in the Gp3 Premier Plate in June altered connections plans.Although previously struggling with the longer distance of 2000m, both efforts back this campaign have actually pointed in the direction of wanting more ground.He's a rising 10yo that would cause a huge boil over should he feature in the result to win, but wearily capable on his day of producing a freakish turn of foot.
Selections : 1,2,4,6,3
R9 - 3,5,8,1,4
R10 - 4,3,14,13,2
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