Solid State will return to Sha Tin on Sunday, 13 September 2026, with expectations high as the four-year-old gelding will face the Class 3 Wah Fu Handicap over 1,000 metres. Trained by Frankie Lor and likely to be partnered again by Alexis Badel, the promising galloper will enter his second Hong Kong appearance after producing a commanding display over 1,200 metres on debut.
Solid State Will Carry Rising Expectations at Sha Tin
Solid State will have made an immediate impression on his Hong Kong arrival, having previously raced in Australia under the name United States. The gelding will have competed seven times in Australia under the care of leading trainer Chris Waller before making the move to Hong Kong in February. His pedigree will add further distinction to his profile, with the four-year-old being a son of prominent sire Snitzel.
Purchased as a yearling in Australia for AU$1.75 million, approximately HK$9.81 million, Solid State will have entered Hong Kong carrying considerable expectations. Those expectations will have been strengthened considerably by his first local appearance, when he will have produced an authoritative all-the-way victory over 1,200 metres.
Badel will have played an important role in that performance and will again take the reins on Sunday. The jockey will have already gained a strong understanding of Solid State through his Hong Kong debut and his preparation at Conghua. The gelding will have also completed a 1,000-metre turf barrier trial at Conghua on 31 August, an exercise that will have provided useful preparation for the shorter assignment.
The transition from 1,200 metres to 1,000 metres will give Solid State a different examination. Rather than relying primarily on sustained speed through the closing stages, the gelding will need to show sharp early acceleration and settle into position quickly. Badel will therefore be expected to place considerable emphasis on the start, particularly with Solid State drawn in gate 14.
The wide draw will present an additional tactical challenge, while the handicap conditions will make the assignment more demanding than his debut. Solid State will carry the maximum 135 pounds after receiving a 12-point rise following his impressive first Hong Kong victory. The combination of a higher mark, a wide gate and a shorter distance will ensure that his second appearance will not simply be a repeat of his debut assignment.
Solid State Will Face a Sharper Speed Test
The 1,000-metre distance will nevertheless appear suited to the gelding’s natural pace. His previous performance will have demonstrated an ability to establish control early, while his Conghua trial over the same distance will have given his connections further encouragement about his ability to handle the shorter trip.
Badel will have already expressed confidence in Solid State’s speed and versatility, and the jockey will be hoping that the gelding can reproduce the qualities displayed on debut. The four-year-old will need to break cleanly from the outside stall before finding a suitable position, with the early stages likely to prove decisive in determining how efficiently he can negotiate the compact sprint.
The wider Sha Tin programme will also provide plenty of interest. My Wish, trained by Mark Newnham, will have returned to the track on Friday, 11 September, for a 1,200-metre dirt barrier trial at Sha Tin. Zac Purton will have partnered the mile specialist in the trial, which will have been completed in 1 minute 09.30 seconds, with sectionals of 23.7, 21.8 and 23.8 seconds.
My Wish will have already established a notable record over longer distances, having secured a first Group 1 success in April in the FWD Champions Mile over 1,600 metres. The horse will be expected to use the trial as preparation for the Group 3 Celebration Cup Handicap over 1,400 metres on 27 September, the same race in which My Wish will have made a triumphant return last season.
For Solid State, however, the immediate focus will remain firmly on the Wah Fu Handicap. His debut victory will have created a strong impression, but Sunday’s contest will demand another display of professionalism and speed. The shorter journey, increased handicap burden and wide starting position will all test his adaptability.
Sunday’s 10-race Sha Tin fixture will begin at 1pm with the Class 5 Hong Tung Handicap over 1,400 metres. Within that programme, Solid State’s appearance will provide one of the more closely watched contests as the gelding will attempt to build upon the authority of his Hong Kong debut.
If Solid State will reproduce the pace and composure that marked his first local appearance, he will have the opportunity to strengthen his reputation further. The 1,000-metre test will be sharper and potentially more tactical, but another polished performance will underline why considerable attention will surround the Frankie Lor-trained gelding as he continues his Hong Kong campaign.
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