Trainer Pierre Ng is placing his trust in Mugen’s resurgent form as the talented six-year-old lines up for Saturday’s Group 3 Vase Handicap. After an inconsistent start to the season, recent signs of improvement—particularly two strong closing runs—have hinted that the gelding is regaining the spark that made him a Group 1-placed sprinter in Hong Kong.
Following a demanding international campaign in Japan last September, Mugen needed time to recover both physically and mentally. Nearly six months on, his latest trial performance over 1200m at Conghua turned heads, clocking an impressive 1:12.06. According to Ng, feedback from jockey Karis Teetan during the trial was full of encouragement, suggesting that Mugen is close to returning to his best.
Mugen heads into the weekend’s contest with a significant weight advantage, carrying just 115 pounds—a scenario that proved successful for him last season in the Premier Cup, where he delivered a thrilling victory over California Spangle. Rated at 105, Mugen remains well-regarded and is expected to make the most of this favourable condition.
Ng will have a strong hand across Saturday’s two Group 3 races. Beauty Waves joins Mugen in the Vase Handicap, with a strategy shift planned after previous tactics of holding him back in the field proved less effective. Jockey Angus Chung takes the reins this time, and a more forward approach is expected to give the gelding a better shot at the finish.
Meanwhile, in the Group 3 Lion Rock Trophy Handicap over 1600m, Ng sends out Johannes Brahms and Ka Ying Generation. Johannes Brahms, previously with Aidan O’Brien in Ireland, returns to the mile distance after a respectable Derby performance in March. With three trials under his belt since then, and Andrea Atzeni in the saddle, the gelding appears well-prepped for his next challenge.
Ka Ying Generation has been brought along cautiously following an extended break due to physical setbacks. While the mile may not be his optimal distance, Ng is encouraged by the gelding’s improving condition and is hopeful that this run will be a crucial step in getting him back to competitive form.
Saturday’s race day promises excitement, with 11 races scheduled to begin at 12:30 PM. Ng’s quartet of runners, spread across both Group 3 features, will be closely watched by fans eager to see if Mugen can lead the charge in what could be a pivotal return to form.
