Hong Kong Racing
Sha Tin Preview - 1st March 2026
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - B Course
Race 1
#8 VOLCANIC SPARK is reaching the peak of his preparation following a fast finishing second over 2000m behind YIU CHENG GLORY in early January, however the quick back up didn't suit 10 days later. Since then, he's spent the majority of his time at the Conghua training complex in China and trialled superbly there at the end of January of 1600m. Richard Kingscote jumps back aboard, and the pair just missed the win the last time they got together.
#3 AMAZING GAZE remains an up and comer who was unlucky not to win both his first, and second up starts this campaign. Zac Purton has since been aboard at three of his past four runs and at his most recent outing he was punted in to favourite just prior to the jump. The wide draw looks ugly on paper, but from the 1800m start point at Sha Tin there's plenty of time to work across and find position.
#1 AUDACIUOS SPIRIT was heavily punted in the final moments of betting last start and those involved were certainly stiff, with traffic congestion costing him the win. It'll be a different task this time out with a wider draw because there'll be ample room to rev up down the middle when he lets go in the home straight. You'd fancy Ellis Wong to play his cards similarly and look for cover early on.
#9 STORM RUNNER race handy to the speed over the 1800m at Happy Valley recently before finally cracking it for a win at his 17th career start. He'd tried desperately hard this season, over varying distances, to notch up his first win and ironically it came in the higher grade of class 4. With a low draw to exit from it wouldn't be an unprecedented scenario if he went back-to back.
#2 SUPREME MASTERMIND has been inconsistent from day one and a handful to ride, on the odd occasion, but there's nice ability hiding under his the bonnet. We got a small taste of it in January when he finished 4th behind INVINCIBLE IBIS, and he's running in the Hong Kong Classic Cup later on. With James McDonald up from a low draw its advisable to keep him safe.
Selections : 8,3,1,9,2
R2 - 7,3,11,2,1
R3 - 2,8,5,11,1
R4 - 3,14,10,2,11
R5 - 4,3,6,5,11
R6 - 6,3,2,4,1
Race 7
HONG KONG GOLD CUP
(WORLD POOL)
(Gp1 - 2000m - Set Weights)
#1 ROMANTIC WARRIOR returned to racing a 7yo in the 2000m G2 Jockey Club Cup in November 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 the unprecedented fourth consecutive G1 Hong Kong Cup in December reconfirmed his remarkable status. The field is small and he rises in distance to 2000m, which is statistically his best trip, therefore, with everything rolling along smoothly during the week, it'll be Gp1 win number 10.
#2 VOYAGE BUBBLE would've been crowned "Horse Of The Year" last season, if it wasn't for KA YING RISING, after winning four G1 races over varying distances, which incorporated the precise event. With an International rating of 121 the defending champion won't be an easy-beat, particularly after another brave performance last start in the G1 Stewards' Cup. His track work leading in has been controlled and sound so it'll be fascinating to see if he can tactically dismantle the champ, ROMANTIC WARRIOR.
#4 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 pressure, whilst importantly possessing the ability to break 22.00 seconds through the final 400m. However, he's yet to fully stand up to the demands of a set weights G1 contest, but, he works, trials and applies himself as though one day he can.
#6 WINNING WING did an amazing job to finish 2nd at Sha Tin three starts back after being completely detached from the field before racking up a third win last time out. He won't be able to giveaway ground against the big boys under set weights but he has progressed extremely quickly over the past 6 weeks. Furthermore, what an incredible story it would be if jockey Dylon Mo could ride a Gp1 winner at his very first attempt..."all the best young man".
#5 ENSUED has been competitive in Gp3 events on more than one occasion over the years and found a new lease of life during the off-season break via a stable change. New trainer Brett Crawford has him racing at an excellent level this campaign which was highlighted last November by a win in the Gp3 Sa Sa Ladies Purse. Let's also remember, he finished a game 2nd in this race last year behind VOYAGE BUBBLE, before running a huge race to finish 4th in the Gp1 QEII.
Selections : 1,2,4,6,5
R8 - 4,6,3,11,1
Race 9
HONG KONG CLASSIC CUP
(2nd Leg - 1800m - 4yo Classic Series)
#1 LITTLE PARADISE arrived in Hong Kong unraced but has since delivered on any expectations connections had leading into his debut. With a good horses record of 6 wins from 9 starts now established, following an awesome performance in the Hong Kong Classic Mile, he arrives at the 2nd leg of the 4yo Classic Series as the highest ranked 4yo in the land, and the horse to beat. He's yet to elevate his racing to a distance further than 1600m but the recent winning sectional break down informs us that he has the temperament to relax and conserve. If he executes that level of composure once again, the opposition won't have the power to match him.
#2 NUMBERS has handled most things thrown at him since arriving from Australia and you can guarantee he'll be at peak fitness following a sensational win in the Gp3 Centenary Vase. The former Australian galloper was a well credentialled 3yo, known as KING OF THUNDER, before joining the Frankie Lor trainers syndicate and has made a seamless transition to Asia's world city. The key ingredient to early Hong Kong results has been the decision to lead, which has ignited self-confidence and that winning desire. The wide draw looks ugly, but this start point often ends up being beneficial to horse that like to lead.
#3 SAGACIOUS LIFE was overlooked first up but somehow produced an almighty blast over the final 150m to snatch the win from the hands of defeat. With freshness then out of his system, he struggled 2nd up before again reigniting the fire with a gutsy 4th place in the Hong Kong Classic Mile. Zac Purton has made it clear, that he took the reins on the 2024 G1 Brazilian Derby winner with the Hong Kong Derby the goal, so expect him to finish closer with the extra 200m on offer.
#4 INVINCIBLE IBIS arrived in Hong Kong an unraced "Private Purchase Griffin" but is now a well above average galloper with more wins to come. He's a candidate Zac Purton recently abandoned, due to the presence of SAGACIOUS LIFE, but his racing pattern and unique swooping style is suited to the longer trips. Hugh Bowman got involved in a bumping dual turning for home in the Hong Kong Classic Mile, which in review took the wind from his sails, so he's entitled to another chance.
#6 BEAUTY BOLT was ideally prepared for his attack on the 4yo series first leg, the Hong Kong Classic Mile, after five highly competitive performance over the Sha Tin 1600m. He rolled forward in the aforementioned event under James McDonald to settle handy before battling it out with honest determination in the stretch. Without much improvement to come, his challenge today is to navigate a similar path and establish cheap sectionals mid-race, if he creates that environment, he runs a big race.
Selections : 1,2,3,4,6
R10 - 12,3,5,14,2
R11 - 9,7,10,2,3
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