(UPI) April 25 — If it weren’t for the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s three outstanding Group 1 races on Sunday at Sha Tin Racecourse, the horse racing calendar would have a dull weekend leading up to the Kentucky Derby. One of Hong Kong’s biggest stars is absent from the Champions Day event, but a few others step up to the plate. In all three heats, international competitors appear to have a better than average chance. The 151st Run for the Roses’ composition hasn’t changed much, but there is some sporadic action around the rest of North America while training and nervousness continue on the Churchill Downs backstretch.
Hong Kong
Sunday’s Champions Day at Sha Tin Racecourse offers some unique chances for overseas raiders, as Romantic Warrior has finished the season after his races in Saudi Arabia and Dubai. On their own ground, the locals are notoriously difficult to defeat and might easily regain their dominance. However, it’s not a given. With Japan fielding a formidable team led by Prognosis, who finished second to Romantic Warrior in both 2023 and 2024, the Group 1 QE II Cup at 2,000 meters appears to be the visitors’ best chance. So are Liberty Island, the 2023 Japanese filly Triple Crown winner, and Tastiera, the 2024 Japanese Derby winner. From France, Goliath has arrived. Although there are several locals, Hong Kong fans will miss Romantic Warrior.
With Ka Ying Rising as the world’s best sprinter, Hong Kong appears to have the advantage in the Chairman’s Sprint prize. He is undoubtedly the choice, but Japan is also a danger because of Satono Reeve, who won the Grade 1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen back home in March after finishing a close third behind Ka Ying Rising in the Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint in December. Other Hong Kongers to keep an eye on are Helios Express, who has finished second to Ka Ying Rising in five of his previous six races and third to that rival in the other, and Lucky Sweynesse, who was a sensation in 2023 but has been hindered by injuries. The Champions Mile appears to be between Hong Kong’s lively Voyage and Australia’s outstanding Mr. Brightside Bubble. Both have outstanding credentials at the distance and stacks of Grade 1 victories. We note the presence of Iowa-bred Chancheng Glory, who will be a long shot but could be dangerous if left along on the lead.
