Last year’s Hong Kong Classic Mile hero, My Wish, returns to Sha Tin this Sunday,14th December with one clear goal: conquer the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile. After near-misses in the Classic Series, connections hope the five-year-old can finally realize his full potential on the Group 1 stage.
The gelding, who narrowly missed out in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) and BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), proved his class with a solid fourth in the G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) in April. These performances marked him as a horse with the talent to shine among Hong Kong’s elite milers.
This season has begun on a high note for My Wish. He claimed victory in the G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) and followed it up with a strong win in the G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m). Trainer Mark Newnham provided context for the gelding’s recent fourth-place finish in the G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile under regular rider Luke Ferraris.
“He brought about his own undoing in the Jockey Club Mile,” Newnham said. “He was too fresh, too keen, and going five weeks between runs isn’t ideal for him. His peak performances are after three weeks. Luke held on as long as he could, but My Wish was just a bit above himself. He didn’t run badly, but he didn’t meet expectations as a 1.4 favourite.”
Newnham is optimistic heading into Sunday’s LONGINES Hong Kong Mile, citing the gelding’s maturity and progression from four to five years old. “It was important to get him away to a good start this season. He’s improved, stronger, and in excellent condition. His first two wins came after his usual Friday gallops, and he’s ready to deliver on Sunday,” he added.
The 14-horse field sees My Wish drawn in barrier two, a position that could provide a tactical edge in a race that promises to be fiercely competitive. Sunday’s 10-race card at Sha Tin kicks off at 12:25pm with the Class 4 Fairy King Prawn Handicap (1400m), leading up to what could be a memorable showdown in the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile.
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