Caspar Fownes is hopeful SKY HEART and LO RIDER can strengthen their claims for a place in the BMW Hong Kong Derby as they step out in the Class 2 Carpenter Handicap at Sha Tin on Sunday. The HK$3.12 million contest over 1800m represents a crucial opportunity for the pair to enhance their ratings and edge closer to securing a spot in the prestigious HK$26 million Classic on March 23.
Both SKY HEART and LO RIDER are among a group of four-year-olds facing older rivals in pursuit of a Derby berth, with the highly competitive handicap headed by Group 3 winners HELENE FEELING and ENCOUNTERED. They join fellow contenders CAMBRIDGE, MARKWIN and BUNDLE AWARD in what could prove a pivotal weekend for several rising stars eyeing Hong Kong’s most coveted prize for four-year-olds.
Fownes, a four-time Hong Kong champion trainer, has enjoyed Derby success with SUPER SATIN in 2010 and SKY DARCI in 2021. He believes both his contenders are primed to deliver strong performances. LO RIDER, runner-up to Steps Ahead over the same distance last time out, will be partnered by Karis Teetan from barrier five, while Lyle Hewitson takes the ride on SKY HEART from gate seven.
“Both horses are in good form, and they’ve presented very well,” Fownes said. “LO RIDER ran enormously the other day, but I thought the track was quite hard. If we get a normal surface, he’ll be better on it. SKY HEART is stepping up to 1800m for the first time, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he handles it. He showed plenty of fight last time while giving away a lot of weight.”
Joining the Derby hopefuls is CAMBRIDGE, trained by Pierre Ng, who is looking to ignite the spark that saw him finish second in the Group 3 Eyrefield Stakes in Ireland. Although yet to find his best in Hong Kong, Ng is optimistic that a better showing under Angus Chung could keep the dream alive.
“We know he has the ability, but he needs time to acclimatise,” Ng said. “Hopefully, he can show some improvement and pick up points to get into the Derby.”
The weekend’s action could also shape the Derby field through the Class 3 Tak Ku Ling Handicap over 1600m, where LIGHT YEARS CHARM and LIVEANDLETLIVE will be out to impress. LIGHT YEARS CHARM, rated 75, will carry 130lb under Hugh Bowman, while LIVEANDLETLIVE, trained by Jamie Richards, looks to climb the ratings ladder with Angus Chung in the saddle.
Sunday’s card also features the Class 1 Kowloon City Handicap over 1200m, headlined by Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize winner INVINCIBLE SAGE, alongside LUCKY WITH YOU, MAGIC CONTROL and MUGEN in a high-quality sprint contest.
With Derby aspirations on the line, the stakes are high at Sha Tin as the countdown to the BMW Hong Kong Derby gathers momentum.
