Connections of the key contenders in Sunday’s Group 1 Champions Mile at Sha Tin were largely upbeat following Thursday’s barrier draw, which sets the scene for one of Hong Kong’s premier international racing days.
Lindsay Park’s Ben Hayes was succinct in his reaction to Mr Brightside drawing barrier two: “very happy.” The draw gives the multiple Group 1 winner a strategic edge over his main rival, Voyage Bubble, who will jump from gate 10.
Voyage Bubble heads to the mile after capturing the Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) and forgoes a run in the QE II Cup. Trainer Ricky Yiu is comfortable with the call.
“It is an easier task,” Yiu said. “We preferred to go over the mile even though he goes well over both and even as a six-year-old he is like he was when he came to us at four. There’s still improvement in him.”
Adrian Bott, who partners with Gai Waterhouse, brings Royal Patronage to Hong Kong for their first runner in the jurisdiction. The six-year-old was last seen finishing second in the Doncaster Mile (1600m).
“Rightly so,” Bott said of the attention surrounding Mr Brightside. “He’s got the form around the right horses and we bring similar form here.”
Bott added Royal Patronage needed a few days to adapt to the heat and rhythm in Hong Kong.
“No doubt that if it was as straightforward as bringing his form over from Sydney, I think that is enough to see him being competitive,” he said. “We feel that we have brought the right horse here.”
Meanwhile, in the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), local hope Ka Ying Rising came up with gate four. Rival Helio Express, trained by John Size, drew wide in 13.
“There’s no strategising against Ka Ying Rising,” Size admitted, almost conceding a 13th win to the local sprint star.
In the QE II Cup, Japanese runner and race favourite Liberty Island will have to overcome barrier 11.