Rail - A Course (True)

R1 - 10,5,9,1,7

R2 - 3,5,7,8,11

R3 - 7,4,1,8,9

R4 - 6,2,1,9,5

Race 5

CHAIRMAN'S SPRINT PRIZE
(Gp1 - 1200m - SW)

#1 LUCKY SWEYNESSE is the new sprinting star of Hong Kong racing and on the verge of a third Gp1 victory this season. He's been up and running since September and could've arguably remained undefeated throughout this campaign. No improvement is expected going into a season defining contest so he only needs to maintain his high level to win. The International runners who oppose don't measure up for mine, so it's his race to lose.
#2 WELLINGTON hasn't been able to get past LUCKY SWEYNESSE at his past three attempts but did so earlier on in this season. The Chairman's Sprint Prize defending champion and Hong Kong International Sprint Winner requires no advice on how to win the big events. His recent defeat in the Gp2 Sprint Cup was excellent off the back of a sedate first half which went against him in the end. The early tempo is expected to be much quicker this time around which shall assist his turn of foot to the line.
#4 COURIER WONDER has clearly displayed this campaign that he's a rung below the best sprinters in town. Conversely, he's rarely beaten far and continually displays his appetite for the challenge. A season high performance in the Gp1 Centenary Sprint Cup behind LUCKY SWEYNESSE in February was his pinnacle and something similar here today wont be a surprise.
#3 SIGHT SUCCESS along with DUKE WAI return from the Gp1 Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai where they both performed with credit. In years gone by Hong Kong runners have occasionally returned below best form following a trip to the Middle East, which is a statistic worthy of note. Sprinters nevertheless generally get the all clear on that front therefore both are entitled to solid claims.
#8 MASTER EIGHT finished only a length behind WELLINGTON in the Gp2 Sprint Cup in 2022 with Joao Moreira aboard. During the middle stages of this season he lost all form before being recently sent forward in an attempt to regain form. With a dash of confidence now gained another improved result is anticipated.

Selections : 1,2,4,3,8

R6 - 2,13,14,9,5

Race 7

FWD CHAMPIONS MILE
(Gp1 - 1600m - SW)

#1 GOLDEN SIXTY is on the verge of a staggering twenty fifth win and a third consecutive Gp1 Champions Mile. The now 7yo can secure his ninth Gp1 victory and a potential third Hong Kong "Horse Of the Year" title, depending on how LUCKY SWEYNESSE performs earlier in the day. The epic gut busting battle with ROMANTIC WARRIOR in the Gp1 Hong Kong Gold Cup would've taken a toll, but the champ returns to a race that's back in trip after enjoying plenty of rest and relaxation.
#2 CALIFORNIA SPANGLE knows exactly what it takes to defeat the King of Hong Kong, GOLDEN SIXTY, and he'll be hoping to produce another brilliant front running display. He took a sit in victory last time out but connections have made it clear, they'd prefer their beast behind the wheel. With Purton atop running hard sectionals, on his previously declared favourite Hong Kong horse, they'll take plenty of running down.
#9 VOYAGE BUBBLE has announced himself as an enigmatic conveyance with incredible tenacity and talent. After winning the Classic Mile with speed and brilliance, he failed in the Classic Cup, before being ridden cold in the Hong Kong Derby to a brilliant and phenomenal win. Hong Kong Derby winners have an excellent record on this day and I wouldn't underestimate his presence.
#6 MY OBERON is well established when it comes to travelling the globe and looked a picture of health during final preparations this week. His recent second placing in the Gp1 Doncaster Handicap in Sydney/Australia was both gritty and courageous in defeat. Any cut in the ground is extremely advantageous but it's difficult to envisage the win.
#5 BEAUTY JOY hasn't quite been able to measure up at the top level this season and is more than likely running around for minor money. Nevertheless, hell be given every conceivable opportunity by champion rider Hugh Bowman who's on the verge of making Hong Kong his home. Trainer Tony Cruz has always voiced optimism about this horses Gp1 capabilities, so let's see if he can bring it.

Selections : 1,2,9,5,6

Race 8

FWD QEll CUP
(Gp1 - 2000m - SW)

#1 ROMANTIC WARRIOR has proven this campaign he's a world class galloper who's unlikely to be intimidated, particularly at his home track. He peaked last December on Hong Kong International Race Day with a demolishing exhibition of all candidates in the Gp1 Hong Kong Cup. James McDonald reacquaints himself to the saddle following his intense and courageous battle with Hong Kong's champion Golden Sixty. He's rested well since and is again ready for another hard fought battle, and that's normally when he's best.
#2 DUBAI HONOUR is touted as the International resistance set to stand in the way of ROMANTIC WARRIOR'S victory party, and I'm not going to disagree with that prediction. He arrives in career best form following an unrivalled Australian campaign which saw him dominate the best going around. He's advantaged by a previous Hong Kong experience, which he gained in the 2021 Gp1 Hong Kong Cup, and Tom Marquand knows his way round. There are zero reasons to suggest he hasn't traveled with morning works pleasing, to say the least.
#3 DANON THE KID hasn't won a race since 2020 but a number of minor placings at the highest level have followed, including a courageous but well beaten second place behind ROMANTIC TOUCH in December. Since his arrival back to Hong Kong he's taken all before him during preparations and glided effortlessly through a superb final piece of work. In my opinion, he's the runner who on appearance and well being runs the massive race.
#7 GERALDINA is one of the best bred mares on the planet with her father MAURICE capturing six at the highest level, three in Hong Kong, and mum GENTILDONNA winning seven at group one level across the globe. She's been a fascinating watch and talking point all week and arrives in excellent form, although she did finish behind DANON THE KID in the Gp1 Osaka Hai last start.
#6 PROGNOSIS has moved his way through the grades in Japan over the past twelve months and arrives at his biggest test with a Group 2 victory under his belt. He's a get back runner, with over racing issues, but at the same time capable of reeling off a world class final split. The international handicap's suggest he's probably out of his league, but the X-Factor component he possesses rates him a chance.

Selections : 1,2,3,7,6

R9 - 10,8,14,7,12

R10 - 4,8,2,10,5