At Sha Tin Racecourse, a competitive programme of racing brought together a series of progressive performances, with trainer Ricky Yiu enjoying a standout afternoon as Victor Supreme announced himself as a rising staying prospect.
Sha Tin race report.
Victor Supreme produced the most striking performance of the day when running away with the Class 4 Ip Jug Handicap over 1800 metres under Vincent Ho. The Super Seth gelding, carrying 125lb, travelled smoothly before accelerating clear in the closing stages to score by an emphatic margin, immediately strengthening his reputation as a horse with long-term Classic Series potential.
Attention now turns toward the BMW Hong Kong Derby pathway, with connections indicating the gelding is expected to be aimed at middle-to-long distance targets as his development continues through the season.
Ricky Yiu, represented in fine form across the card, also saw Rising Force deliver a sharp front-running display in the Class 2 Li Cup Handicap over 1200 metres under Zac Purton. Breaking swiftly and dictating terms throughout, he never looked in danger once establishing control.
Lucrative Eight added another victory for the stable in the Class 4 Chow Silver Plate Handicap, showing determination in the straight to power clear by a comfortable margin after finding daylight at the right stage.
Chill Easy completed a productive set for the yard in the Class 3 Lee Trophy Handicap over 1400 metres. Ridden with confidence by Jerry Chau, the former Irish galloper travelled fluently and finished strongly, with further progression expected as he steps up in trip in future assignments.
Elsewhere, Frankie Lor’s Solid State made a big impression on local debut in the Class 3 Philip Chen Trophy Handicap over 1200 metres. The Snitzel gelding went straight to the front under Alexis Badel and maintained a relentless gallop to win decisively, suggesting immediate impact potential in his new environment.
Francis Lui was also among the winners with Almighty Warrior, who outstayed a well-fancied rival in the Class 3 Purves Quaich Plate for Griffins under Ethan Brown, producing a strong finishing effort when it mattered most.
Brown completed a notable double when guiding Noble Fans to victory for John Size in the Class 5 Swaine Cup Handicap. Size also added another win to his tally as Noble Deluxe scored on the dirt surface, while Healthy Healthy produced a powerful late run to land the Class 4 Stevenson Cup Handicap under Andrea Atzeni.
David Hayes rounded off the dirt programme with Bustling City, who dominated the Class 4 Chan Trophy Handicap under Brenton Avdulla, drawing clear in impressive fashion to underline his upward trajectory.
As the meeting concluded, focus naturally shifted toward the growing depth of emerging talent and the evolving picture among progressive stayers and sprinters alike.
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