Romantic Warrior’s bid for a Triple Crown continues this Sunday (1 March) at Sha Tin, but five talented rivals are ready to test his mettle in the HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup over 2000 metres. Leading the opposition is Mark Newnham’s promising four-year-old My Wish, partnered by Australian jockey Hugh Bowman.
A standout in last year’s four-year-old division, My Wish has returned in fine form this season, claiming victories in both the G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) and G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m). Two subsequent midfield finishes in Group 1 mile contests suggest he is gradually stepping up to top-level company.
My Wish will tackle the 2000m trip for the first time since the 2025 HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby, where he finished a narrow second to Cap Ferrat after a remarkable late surge from the back of the field. Bowman, who won the Gold Cup in 2017 aboard champion Werther, has been impressed with the horse’s progress.
“He’s certainly on the way up – his age and form suggest that. He’s come a long way over the past 12 months, and his best is probably still ahead of him,” Bowman said.
In a Sha Tin trial on 20 February, Bowman guided My Wish to a hard-held 1m 38.84s over the Gold Cup distance, finishing behind Voyage Bubble and Romantic Warrior. “I’ve only sat on him once in a trial, but I was really pleased with him. There’s some strong opposition, but I think he’ll certainly make his presence felt,” Bowman added.
Other contenders lining up against Romantic Warrior include Voyage Bubble, Beauty Joy, Ensued, and Winning Wing, promising a competitive and intriguing race over the 2000m trip.
Hong Kong Classic Cup Also on the Card
Sunday’s Sha Tin program also features the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series. Bowman reunites with Newnham’s four-time winner Invincible Ibis, who seeks redemption after a sixth-place finish in the Classic Mile.
“Invincible Ibis had an awkward draw in the Classic Mile, and there are still some stamina questions. But he’s proven his class, and with a more economical run in the Classic Cup, I’d like to think he can finish closer,” Bowman said.
Newnham has also entered Infinite Resolve and Lucky Sam Gor for the Classic Cup, with Aerodynamics listed as first reserve. Bowman previously claimed the Hong Kong Classic Cup aboard Helios Express in 2024, and he will be aiming for another strong performance this weekend.
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