Mark Newnham could scarcely have hoped for a better lead-in to the BMW Hong Kong Derby 2026, and the Australian trainer was understandably upbeat after Invincible Ibis secured a coveted inside gate at Thursday’s barrier draw.
Fresh from a career-best haul of five winners at Happy Valley, Newnham’s stable star gained a significant edge with barrier three for Sunday’s HK$26 million feature at Sha Tin. In a race where early positioning can prove decisive, the favourable draw offers both flexibility and tactical control.
Newnham, who went agonisingly close to Derby success last year with My Wish, believes the draw could prove pivotal.
“He certainly does,” he said when asked about Invincible Ibis’s prospects. “The draw’s going to help him enormously. It just means Hugh’s got options to put him where he wants to be, not where he’s dictated to by the barrier. With gate three, he can determine that on the pace of the race.”
A four-time winner this season, Invincible Ibis endured a rare off day when sixth in the Hong Kong Classic Mile, marking the only time he has finished outside the placings in nine starts. However, he quickly returned to form in the Hong Kong Classic Cup, finishing strongly along the rail to claim second behind Stormy Grove.
Strong draw sharpens BMW Hong Kong Derby 2026 hopes
Newnham has studied that effort closely and expects the step up in trip and race conditions to suit.
“We’ve had a good look at that race,” he explained. “It’s a lot different going around the two bends. From the 1800-metre start, they go on a long straight line for a bit. But with the short run to the first turn here, there’s pressure on horses drawn wide.
“From the good draw, he’s going to find a nice position without having to push forward or drag back. The way he finished off on the 1800m, he does look like he’ll run the trip. He’s going there in good order.”
Among the key rivals, Stormy Grove will break from gate seven after his Classic Cup triumph, while Beauty Bolt reunites with jockey Brenton Avdulla, who takes over the ride with quiet confidence.
“I’m looking forward to getting on him,” Avdulla said. “He’s been racing consistently, and from early on I thought he’d measure up in this series.”
Avdulla suggested the tempo could be shaped by Numbers, who is expected to press forward despite a wider draw, potentially influencing the race’s tactical complexion.
“I think it’s a race without a lot of natural pace,” he added. “A lot of horses want to settle just behind it. The main thing with my horse is to relax and help him run the trip. If he does that, he can run well.”
Not all trainers shared Newnham’s optimism. David Eustace faces a sterner task after his runners Dazzling Fit and Seraph Gabriel drew gates 14 and 12 respectively.
“Obviously, it’s frustrating, but we can’t control it,” Eustace said. “We’ll just have to make a plan. It makes it harder, but not impossible.”
The remainder of the field includes Little Paradise (10), Sagacious Life (2), Patch Of Cosmo (6), Emblazon (8), Top Dragon (1), Regal Gem (4), Juneau Pride (5) and Pope Cody (9), rounding out a competitive line-up for the 149th running of the Derby.
Sunday’s 10-race card at Sha Tin begins at 1pm, with the Class 4 Luger Handicap, while the BMW Hong Kong Derby 2026 is scheduled to jump at 4:05pm.
Finish Order (Expected Field Overview):
Invincible Ibis, Stormy Grove, Beauty Bolt, Numbers, Sagacious Life, Top Dragon, Regal Gem, Juneau Pride, Patch Of Cosmo, Emblazon, Little Paradise, Pope Cody, Dazzling Fit, Seraph Gabriel.
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