Andrea Atzeni and Harry Bentley are gearing up for a major test of their talents in the competitive realm of Hong Kong racing, both targeting Group 1 victories at Sha Tin this Sunday, February 23. Atzeni, fresh off a winning double last weekend, is set to partner two contenders, BEAUTY ETERNAL and SWORD POINT, in the prestigious G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) and G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), respectively.
Atzeni’s career spans multiple countries, with 31 Group 1 wins across Italy, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, and the UAE. Despite amassing 74 wins in Hong Kong, the Italian jockey has yet to secure a top-level victory on the local circuit. However, his recent form, with victories on Johannes Brahms and Steps Ahead at Sha Tin, has him confident heading into this weekend’s races.
While optimistic, Atzeni acknowledges the formidable competition that lies ahead, particularly with horses like KA YING RISING and VOYAGE BUBBLE set to pose significant challenges in both events. Atzeni, speaking about BEAUTY ETERNAL, who was last year’s winner of the G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m), admits that the race’s dynamics will be tricky, especially with the presence of fast frontrunners like CALIFORNIA SPANGLE and KA YING RISING. However, Atzeni believes that Beauty Eternal’s recent performances suggest the horse can rise to the occasion if his form improves.
In the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, Beauty Eternal will face stiff competition from the likes of KA YING RISING, CALIFORNIA SPANGLE, BEAUTY JOY, and several others, all looking to stake their claim in the prestigious race.
Atzeni will also ride SWORD POINT for the first time in the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup. While acknowledging that the horse may have some ground to cover on ratings, Atzeni notes that the competition, particularly the ever-strong VOYAGE BUBBLE , will make the race open and competitive, with Sword Point looking to shine if things fall into place.
Bentley, a winner of two Group 1s in England and France, will also be aiming for a breakthrough in Hong Kong. He will ride PATCH OF THETA and WINNING DRAGON on Sunday, with a keen focus on the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup. While Ka Ying Rising is the favorite, Bentley remains confident in Patch Of Theta’s ability, labeling him a strong contender and expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to ride such a talented horse. Bentley also highlighted WINNING DRAGON ’s good performance in the Group 3 Centenary Vase, believing the horse is in good form, even though the competition is tough.
