The BMW Hong Kong Derby picture sharpened on Wednesday as trainer Jimmy Ting expressed renewed confidence that his stable star Little Paradise is back on track for Sunday’s showpiece at Sha Tin Racecourse. With a crucial round of barrier practice behind him, the six-time winner appears poised to rediscover the authority that marked him as a leading contender for the HK$26 million contest.
Little Paradise, one of 14 runners chasing Classic glory in the final leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, had looked every inch a rising force when landing the Hong Kong Classic Mile in early February. However, his momentum stalled in the Hong Kong Classic Cup, where a sluggish break left him with too much to do and he eventually finished eighth.
Ting believes that performance can be safely overlooked.
“The jockey said he sat on the gates and was slow away when they opened,” Ting explained. “We’ve since taken him back for practice from the 1800-metre start, holding his tail, and he improved significantly. We’ll give him another session through the gates before his final gallop.”
Barrier work key to BMW Hong Kong Derby hopes
The handling at the start has been the principal focus in the lead-up to the BMW Hong Kong Derby, with Ting confident the issue has now been addressed. The trainer noted that despite the troubled passage last time – including early interference along the inside – the colt still showed determination late in the race.
“He was disappointing on paper, but there were reasons,” Ting said. “He missed the start, then got bumped a few times, which unsettled him. Still, he picked up again over the last 200 metres, which was encouraging.”
That resilience, coupled with his earlier dominance in the Classic Mile where he scored by two lengths, keeps him firmly among the leading chances in Sunday’s contest.
Owned by Ko Kam Piu, Little Paradise heads the ratings for the Derby field with a mark of 103, narrowly clear of rivals such as Numbers and Classic Cup hero Stormy Grove, who produced a sweeping late run to claim that second leg earlier this month.
Jockey Vincent Ho, who famously guided Golden Sixty to Derby success in 2020, retains the ride. With 25 wins already this season, Ho brings both experience and form into the weekend’s feature.
Ting suggested tactics would remain flexible. “I’d expect him to be ridden quietly, but the draw will be important. We’ll know more once the barrier positions are released.”
Among the opposition, Brenton Avdulla partners Beauty Bolt for trainer Tony Cruz. The improving galloper has already shown promise in the series, finishing third in the Classic Mile before a midfield effort in the Classic Cup.
Avdulla believes a favourable draw could prove decisive. “If he can settle just behind the speed and relax, he’ll give himself every chance to see out the trip,” he said.
Cruz, chasing a seventh success in the race, boasts a deep history in the Derby, having first triumphed as a jockey before later adding victories as a trainer. His experience adds further intrigue to what shapes as a compelling renewal.
As anticipation builds, all eyes turn to Sha Tin on Sunday, where the BMW Hong Kong Derby will once again crown the city’s premier four-year-old – and where Little Paradise will attempt to convert promise into lasting prestige.
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