John Size’s long-standing authority over the Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap was reaffirmed at Sha Tin on Sunday, 4 January, as Stellar Express produced a commanding front-running display to land the HK$4.2 million Group 3 contest over 1000 metres. The victory marked the master trainer’s sixth success in the prestigious sprint and underlined his enduring influence in Hong Kong’s speed division.
Ridden with confidence by Andrea Atzeni, Stellar Express added further polish to Size’s remarkable record in the race, giving the 13-time champion trainer his third win since 2022 and continuing a sequence that has spanned more than two decades. The performance also capped a productive afternoon for the stable as Size’s seasonal tally climbed steadily during the heart of the campaign.
Breaking cleanly from gate five, Stellar Express wasted little time asserting control. The French-bred runner surged to the lead within strides, crossed smoothly to the grandstand rail, and never allowed his rivals to apply pressure. By the 200-metre mark, the contest had effectively been settled, with the leader holding a commanding advantage and travelling strongly under a light impost.
Stellar Express crossed the line three lengths clear of Colourful King, who finished with purpose once clear but had too much ground to make up. Group 1 winner Invincible Sage stayed on for third. The winner stopped the clock at 55.85 seconds, recording his fourth course-and-distance success and reinforcing his reputation as a Sha Tin sprint specialist.
Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap reinforces Size’s sprint mastery
Size was quick to credit both the conditions and the horse’s affinity for the track. He noted that Stellar Express thrives when able to build momentum down the outside and make full use of his natural speed. The trainer also highlighted the importance of the weight relief, which allowed the gelding to dictate terms from the outset and maintain his advantage all the way to the post.
Atzeni echoed that assessment, pointing to the importance of the break and early positioning. Once established on the rail, the rider was able to conserve energy before asking the gelding to lengthen late. Even he appeared surprised by the margin when glancing at the big screen inside the final stages.
Colourful King’s late surge was notable, producing the fastest closing sectional of the race, but the early tempo and race shape left little room for recovery.
Elsewhere on the card, Size continued his strong run when Sight Hermoso surged to victory in the Class 4 Tsam Chuk Wan Handicap over 1000 metres, this time in partnership with Brenton Avdulla.
A highlight of the afternoon came in the Class 2 Leighton Handicap over 1600 metres, where Sagacious Life signalled his credentials for the Four-Year-Old Classic Series with a polished victory. Settling just off the pace, the Brazilian import quickened decisively in the straight to defeat Soleil Fighter, with Top Dragon finishing third. The performance prompted trainer Pierre Ng to confirm plans to head directly to the Hong Kong Classic Mile next month.
Ng expressed satisfaction with the colt’s maturity and composure under pressure, while Zac Purton praised the effort as a significant step forward for a young horse carrying a substantial load.
The trainers’ championship race also continued to take shape. Mark Newnham extended his lead when Supreme Sea made a successful debut in the Class 4 Tai Mong Tsai Handicap on dirt, maintaining his advantage over a tightly packed chasing group as the season progresses.
Additional victories were recorded by David Hayes, Frankie Lor, Ricky Yiu, Francis Lui, Tony Cruz, and Brett Crawford, while Maxime Guyon enjoyed a productive afternoon with a riding double that further enhanced his impressive short-term stint in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong racing resumes at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, January 7, with momentum building as the season heads toward its key mid-winter targets.
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