SUNLIGHT POWER is set for his toughest challenge yet as he steps up to Group 2 level in Sunday’s (30 March) HK$5.35 million Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) at Sha Tin. Trained by Ricky Yiu, the rising Capitalist gelding has impressed this season, surging 29 rating points with three victories to reach a peak mark of 103 locally. His performance in this weekend’s race could determine his path towards next month’s HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) or the HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at the same venue.
“He’s rated over 100 now, so he’s against the big boys. He’s a horse who always tries very hard and gives his best. I’d be very happy if he can finish in the first three,” Yiu said. Sunlight Power, who was rated 56 in March last year, has developed into a formidable contender, with his last two wins over a mile in Class 2 at Sha Tin by a combined four and a quarter lengths.
Hugh Bowman’s well-judged ride contributed to Sunlight Power’s success last start, but with Bowman engaged on Francis Lui’s CHANCHENG GLORY, Jerry Chau takes over the reins this time. The Chairman’s Trophy will feature a competitive field, including BEAUTY ETERNAL, BEAUTY JOY, GALAXY PATCH, CHANCHENG GLORY, ENSUED, HAPPY TOGETHER, RED LION, FIVE G PATCH, LA CITY BLANCHE, and MOMENTS IN TIME, making for an intriguing contest.
Yiu will also saddle STRAIGHT ARRON and NIMBLE NIMBUS in the race. NIMBLE NIMBUS, a six-time Hong Kong winner, captured the HK$4.2 million G3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) earlier this year, and Yiu hopes he can rediscover his best form. On STRAIGHT ARRON, he commented: “He tries hard. He’s an older horse now, but he’ll be close.”
Adding further intrigue to the weekend’s racing action, four-time Group 1 winner VOYAGE BUBBLE continued his preparations for the HK$74 million FWD Champions Day (27 April) with a strong trial over 1600m at Conghua on Monday morning (24 March). Guided by Matthew Poon, he clocked 1m 35.06s, showcasing readiness for next month’s HK$13 million G1 FWD Champions Mile.
“He trialled well. We’ll run him in the Champions Mile. It’s an easier target for him, and we’re optimistic about the Triple Crown,” Yiu said. VOYAGE BUBBLE has already claimed the first two legs of Hong Kong’s Triple Crown, the HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) and the HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m). The historic treble concludes in May with the HK$13 million G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m), last won by REBEL’S ROMANCE. A HK$10 million bonus awaits any horse who completes the Triple Crown, a feat achieved only by RIVER VERDON (1993/94).
Sunday’s race card at Sha Tin also features the HK$5.35 million G2 Sprint Cup (1200m), where KA YING RISING, CALIFORNIA SPANGLE, HELIOS EXPRESS, LUCKY WITH YOU, MAGIC CONTROL, COPARTNER PRANCE, and GORGEOUS WIN will battle for supremacy. With multiple high-profile contests on the agenda, the weekend promises to deliver top-tier horse racing action at Hong Kong’s premier venue.
