In a performance that drew cheers from the Sha Tin crowd and raised eyebrows across the racing world, My Wish delivered a scintillating display to capture the HK$5.35 million G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) on Sunday (19 October). The five-year-old now looks firmly on track for the HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) on 14 December.
Guided expertly by stand-in jockey Alexis Badel, My Wish settled just off the brisk early pace set by Copartner Prance (117lb) before unleashing a decisive burst to claim victory by one-and-a-quarter lengths. Copartner Prance held on for second, with Derek Leung aboard Beauty Joy (117lb) rounding out the top three. The win marked the sixth of My Wish’s burgeoning career, underscoring his rise through the grades under trainer Mark Newnham.
“I had an awkward gate but we decided to make it simple and let him relax,” said Badel. “He was waiting for me to ask him for an effort, and when I did, he just responded beautifully.”
Newnham was effusive in praise for his charge. “His race manners have matured, and he has that excellent gate speed. Alexis had to use him a bit – inside runners made it tricky – but once he found his rhythm, he conserved energy perfectly.”
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Newnham added a note of caution. “At the HKIR, we’ll meet on level weights, so he needs to continue improving. But I think he’s ready to rise to that challenge.”
Next on the agenda for the Flying Artie gelding is the November G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m), a key stepping stone to December’s showcase event.
Purton’s Weekend Double and Other Highlights
Zac Purton enjoyed a dream weekend, adding a double to his landmark G1 The Everest victory (1200m) on Saturday. He began Sunday aboard Robot Lucky Star (125lb) to claim the Class 4 Sun Tin Wai Handicap (1000m), securing the promising four-year-old’s maiden victory. Purton followed up with Patch Of Stars (134lb) in the Class 3 Lek Yuen Handicap (1200m), bringing his season tally to 21 wins.
Brett Crawford notched his third winner of the season via Double Show (119lb) in the Class 5 Shek Mun Handicap (1400m), while Matthew Poon finally broke a seven-runner-up streak, guiding Gracious Express (127lb) to victory in the Class 3 Wo Che Handicap (1400m). Lyle Hewitson and James Orman continued their strong form with wins aboard Special Hedge (121lb) and The Auspicious (124lb), respectively.
Mark Newnham’s team extended its championship lead with Lucky Sam Gor (128lb) in the second section of the Class 4 Sun Chui Handicap (1400m), while Ellis Wong celebrated his 25th birthday with his first Hong Kong win aboard Pejibaye (125lb) for Caspar Fownes.
David Hayes capped the day by steering Fortune Boy (116lb) to victory in the Class 3 Sha Kok Handicap (1600m), closing a thrilling meeting with a blanket finish, just as he had celebrated Ka Ying Rising’s Everest triumph in Sydney the previous day.
Hong Kong racing continues with a nine-race meeting at Happy Valley on Wednesday (22 October).
Read the full Sha Tin Trophy coverage on RaceBuzz.
