After months of meticulous planning, final preparations for the $24 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin this Sunday (19 March) are well and truly underway for the race revered in this city for its ‘Once in a lifetime glory.’
The BMW Hong Kong Derby is the race every owner in Hong Kong strives to win and given the outstanding quality of the last two editions, it is evident why Classic success is so coveted – and also so difficult to achieve.
In 2021, Sky Darci prevailed by a head over Russian Emperor; last season, we were fortunate to witness another enthralling battle before Romantic Warrior overcame California Spangle – also by a head.
The BMW Hong Kong Derby honour roll is crammed with champions, including Golden Sixty, Vengeance Of Rain, Ambitious Dragon, Designs On Rome and many others and the pathway from winning the Derby – or competing strongly in it – to Group 1 victory has become increasingly well-trodden over the past few seasons.
Further validating the quality of BMW Hong Kong Derby, the top three positions in the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings released last week were occupied by Golden Sixty (125), Romantic Warrior (123) and California Spangle (122).
And so, ahead of final declarations and the official barrier draw on Thursday (16 March), I wish all connections involved in this season’s BMW Hong Kong Derby the very best of luck on Sunday when we gather to add the latest name to the great race’s list of winners.
Sunday’s other feature, the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) will be contested by only a small field with the withdrawal of Beauty Joy, but there is no doubt about the quality with the presence of four G1 winners among the five runners – Wellington (four G1 wins), Waikuku (three), California Spangle (one) and Lucky Sweynesse (one) – with the field completed by Courier Wonder, a G1 place-getter.
Even before declarations and the barrier draw, this race looms as a fascinating tactical battle involving a cluster of world-class jockeys provisionally engaged to ride – Ryan Moore (Wellington), Zac Purton (California Spangle), James McDonald (Lucky Sweynesse), Damian Lane (Waikuku) and Blake Shinn (Courier Wonder).
Race tempo is always critical in Hong Kong racing and with HK$12 million prizemoney on the line in a highly-prized G1, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup shapes as another eagerly anticipated highlight.
At Happy Valley Wednesday night, the Ap Lei Chau Handicap is carded as Race 9 for Class 3 horses over 1650m at 10:50pm with prizemoney of $1,900,000.
The speed in the race will be good with the majority of on-pace runners having drawn out. Loyal Baby has gate ten and will go forward in an attempt to lead, with E Legend, drawn nine, and Star Contact, drawn eleven, also likely to race near the speed. Beauty Turn also has good gate speed and will race in the forward division.
Nimble Nimbus had a perfect run at his last start when parked fifth, one off the fence on a hot speed, before sprinting brilliantly in the straight for a dominant win over Gallant Waking this course and distance on 15 February. He comes to this race off a four-week break and from gate seven with Hugh Bowman aboard again I make him a win and place chance.
Star Contact was third in that race and two weeks later sat outside the leader on a steady pace before taking the lead early in the straight and fighting on gamely to beat dead-heaters Happy Daily and Exceptional Nice. Star Contact has finished top-four eight times from nine starts this season and is a place chance for Karis Teetan despite his wide draw.
E Legend appreciated a drop in class when sitting outside the leader and was forced to make an early move at the 600m and coming away from an easy win over Villa Fionn on 1 February. Manfred Man has chosen to use Angus Chung’s claim here as E Legend comes back up in class and he is a place chance.
Silver Hammer has had three runs now in Hong Kong and was midfield on the rails from an inside draw before staying on late to finish fourth to Gorytus here on 8 February. Antoine Hamelin takes the ride and Silver Hammer is a place chance at good odds.
It is an open race to finish an excellent night’s racing with horses like Rising From Ashes, Loyal Baby and Storm Legend also in good form and with place claims.
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