Ricky Yiu is daring to hope for another prominent finish in Sunday’s HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m), believing Sunlight Power can build on his recent Group 1 effort and earn a share of the spoils at Sha Tin. While the assignment is formidable, the seasoned trainer feels his stable representative is thriving at the right time.
Yiu, already a Group 1 winner this season through Voyage Bubble’s success in the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile, is realistic about the scale of Sunday’s challenge. Standing in the way is the exceptional Ka Ying Rising, widely regarded as the world’s leading sprinter. Even so, Yiu is quietly confident his six-year-old can acquit himself with distinction in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup.
“He’s doing really, very well,” Yiu said during morning trackwork. “He’s holding his condition perfectly.”
The gelding has returned from a stint at Conghua in robust order, a factor Yiu believes could prove crucial.
“I think he’s a horse that enjoys himself in Conghua. I saw his gallop this morning and I couldn’t fault him,” he added.
Sunlight Power arrives on the back of a creditable fourth in the Stewards’ Cup over a mile, finishing three and a half lengths behind Romantic Warrior. That effort, his second at the elite level this season, elevated his career earnings beyond HK$14 million and confirmed he belongs in top company.
Proven at the Trip in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup
Sunday’s Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup will be his third attempt at the highest level this term. Last season he was narrowly denied in the FWD Champions Mile, finishing third and just half a length adrift of Red Lion, one of several familiar adversaries he meets again.
Though campaigned predominantly over 1600 metres in recent months, Sunlight Power boasts four victories at 1400 metres — Sunday’s distance — and Yiu feels the return to seven furlongs could suit. His overall record of six wins, three seconds and six thirds from 30 starts underlines admirable consistency.
Earlier this campaign, he produced a career-best Group performance when runner-up in the Jockey Club Mile under Hollie Doyle. Yiu is prepared to forgive his below-par effort in the Hong Kong Mile that followed, preferring instead to focus on his resurgence in the Stewards’ Cup.
“I’ll be happy if we finish second, third or fourth,” Yiu said. “It was a good run last time. The one before — forget about it. Hopefully he can continue to perform.”
The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup forms the second leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series. Ka Ying Rising heads the field after landing the Centenary Cup Sprint and is attempting to keep a clean sweep intact before the series concludes with April’s Chairman’s Sprint Prize.
Also lining up in the 10-runner contest are Copartner Prance, Galaxy Patch, Helios Express, Lucky Sweynesse, Packing Hermod, Patch Of Theta, Raging Blizzard and Red Lion. With proven milers clashing against specialist sprinters, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup promises a fascinating tactical examination over Sha Tin’s sweeping 1400 metres.
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