All eyes on Romantic Warrior at Sha Tin

Hong Kong racing roars back to Sha Tin on Sunday for an exciting 11-race card, highlighted by the Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup.

The HK$13 million Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup over 2400m has attracted nine top-class stayers, but all eyes will be on champion galloper Romantic Warrior.

The Danny Shum-trained star has remained unbeaten in five starts this season, including four Group 1 wins — a remarkable feat in Hong Kong racing history.

He claimed the first two legs of the Hong Kong Triple Crown and was last seen dominating the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m), comfortably defeating international raiders Masquerade Ball, Sosie and Royal Champin. On current form, he looks extremely hard to beat.

Adding further intrigue are two runners from Japan. Rousham Park, a two-time Group 1 placegetter, was beaten 5.75 lengths by Romantic Warrior when they last met and will need to improve sharply. Meanwhile, Deep Monster adds an X-factor. Still chasing a first Group 1 win, he arrives off an impressive victory in the H.H. The Amir Trophy in Qatar, where he defeated Group 1 winners Giavellotto and Goliath.

Exciting three-year-old Baby Sakura looks poised to secure successive victories in Sunday’s Class 3 Handicap over 1400m.

Baby Sakura has yet to miss the frame in four career starts, recording two wins and two further placings. Stepping into Class 3 company for the first time at his latest outing, the Tagaloa gelding produced an impressive display, unleashing a blistering turn of foot in the straight to score by 2.50 lengths over this track and distance.

The performance suggested he remains highly progressive and could be destined for higher grades.

Baby Sakura rises only 3kg from that latest victory and still appears favourably treated with 56.5kg this week, making back-to-back wins look well within reach. – iRACE Magazine

 

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Flying Amani finished well in Class 4 last time out despite a tardy start, and with a clean jump, he should be highly competitive dropping to Class 5. Soaring Bronco has been consistent in recent starts and shapes as a strong contender. Frantanck well placed with the apprentice claim and could be hard to run down if allowed to dictate. General Smart may not be consistent but could surprise at value with J-Mac aboard. Perfecto Moments trapped wide but still stuck on well off a fast tempo last start, and with a kinder run, he could cause an upset.

Race 2: Come Fast Fay Fay caught the eye flashing home late last start, and with Purton aboard, he looks well weighted to make amends. Just Follow Me has shown ability and a favourable draw gives him a good chance to break through. Nyx Gluck was narrowly beaten last start, and from pole position, he should get every chance to make it right. Super Love finished strongly for fourth last time out and is now nearing his last winning mark. Happy Promise an A$1m yearling purchase, he found the line well on debut and is open to further improvement with that run under his belt.

Race 3: Mega Captain showed sharp improvement last start, albeit on the AWT, and must be considered a leading contender from a low draw. Goldentronicmighty has the ability to cause an upset, and the gear change may spring a surprise. Riding High appears well placed with the apprentice claim and is expected to produce a strong showing. Grouper finished second on debut, though aided by a slow tempo, and must be respected with J-Mac aboard. Flowing Riches a natural frontrunner, he had excuses last start (raced wide) and could make amends with a smoother trip.

Race 4: Genius Baby finished strongly from a wide draw in a race dominated by frontrunners last start, and with a better gate, he will make his presence felt. Leading Dragon has been knocking on the door, and Britney Wong’s 7lb claim coupled with a low draw are positives. Packing King scored a strong on-pace win last start and a double looks within reach, despite an awkward draw. Sunny Q looks well weighted to make an impact in this wide-open contest. Giant Leap a proven performer at this level, he could be hard to run down with a 10lb claimer aboard if allowed to dictate from a wide draw.

Race 5: Best World charged home strongly for fifth despite encountering traffic on debut, and with Purton aboard, he looks one to follow. Lucky Twin Stars will relish the drop to Class 4 and the inside draw ticks another box. Big Return comes off back-to-backs wins in this class and looks capable of completing a hat-trick, despite the weight rise. Jolly Brilliant narrowly missed last start but the wide draw remains a concern. Flying Knight made full use of an inside draw to land his first local win last time out, but the slightly awkward draw could prove tricky this time.

Race 6: Harold Win the drop to Class 4, where his best form lies, works in his favour, and he looks one to watch. Matzden has shown improvement in recent starts and could go one better if things fall his way. View All Things scored an easy win in Class 5 last start and remains a strong chance despite stepping back up to Class 4. Monarch County eased in the ratings and should not be overlooked with Moreira staying aboard. Top Time finished strongly for second last start but will need some luck from the wide draw.

Race 7: Pope Cody his unplaced last-start effort is best overlooked given the slow tempo, and he deserves another chance at his second run back under handicap conditions. Aerodynamics has performed well since adopting a positive racing style and should continue the strong run. Joy Of Spring drops back from a Group 3 feature and could improve with a 10lb claimer aboard. Lo Rider will relish the drop in class and is worth considering if his odds offer value. Enthusium ran on well to score a strong win last start and could still have some rating points in hand.

Race 8: Romantic Warrior comes off an emphatic win in the QEII Cup and looks extremely hard to beat under Set Weights conditions. Deep Monster defeated some quality gallopers in a G2 feature in Qatar last start, and the booking of Moreira adds appeal. Rousham Park was far from disgraced with a solid third in G2 company at Nakayama last time out and must be respected. Cap Ferrat showed signs of regaining form last start and the rise in distance should play to his strengths. Numbers possesses tactical speed and may place at long odds, despite meeting a top-class field.

Race 9: Beauty Bolt suited by the drop back in distance and is expected to show sharp improvement with Purton back in the saddle. Six Pack boasts consistent form in this class and must be considered a strong contender. Mighty Masts has been in career-best form and will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Healthy Happy an inside draw and Nichola Yuen’s 10lb claim strongly point to a positive on-pace showing. Galactic Voyage underperformed last start on the AWT but could surprise at odds returning to turf if he handles the rise to 1400m.

Race 10: Titan Pegasus boasts strong Australian form and has trialled well ahead of his local debut, making him one to watch closely. Star Rise resuming off a break, he should sprint well fresh first-up with J-Mac aboard. Elite Golf a promising 3YO, he remains a strong chance despite rising to Class 3 following an easy Class 4 win. Mickley can make a strong late surge under the right race shape, though he is not prolific. Almighty Lightning failed to handle the rain-affected track last start and is worth giving another chance.

Race 11: Baby Sakura won by a clear margin on his Class 3 debut last time out and looks poised to secure back-to-back wins. Fit For Beauty finished a close third last start and looks the second-best in this field. Continent Express has trialled impressively ahead of his local debut and looks primed to make an immediate impact despite the wide draw. The Red Hare trapped wide last start, and with better luck in running, he should be right in the mix. Akashvani the drop back to Class 3 should help but carrying top weight remains a concern.