The roar of the Sha Tin crowd could be the perfect backdrop for a story of resilience. Seven-year-old Voyage Bubble, the 2023 BMW Hong Kong Derby winner, is set to make his seasonal return in the G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) on Sunday, carrying a hefty 135 pounds. Despite the challenging impost, jockey Matthew Poon is confident the Triple Crown hero can overcome the odds.
“I’m confident in his ability,” said Poon, a product of The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Apprentice Jockeys’ School. “Of course, I’m a bit concerned that he’s carrying 135 and lots of rising stars are only carrying 115. I don’t think it will be an easy race, but he’s got the ability, so I hope we can overcome the 135. I’m happy with how he’s going.”
Poon, who claimed the 2024/25 Tony Cruz Award for most winners in a season among homegrown riders, has been closely monitoring Voyage Bubble’s fitness since a trial on September 30. “After the trial, we brought his fitness up, galloped him on the grass, and he felt well—not heavy. He’s improved and I hope he can perform well,” he added.
A first-up victory has eluded Voyage Bubble in his previous four campaigns, making Sunday’s outing a test of both experience and resilience. Last season, he finished a length-and-a-half behind Galaxy Patch in the Sha Tin Trophy, conceding six pounds to the winner—a performance that Poon hopes can be reversed this time.
With regular partner James McDonald committed to G1 The Everest in Sydney, Poon seized the golden opportunity to ride one of Hong Kong racing’s marquee stars. “Everyone wants to get on the superstar, so if I can jump in the Ferrari, of course, I want to drive it!” he said with a grin.
The Sha Tin Trophy field is brimming with talent, including fellow BMW Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat, ridden by Keith Yeung for trainer Francis Lui. Yeung, another graduate of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School, is targeting his first Group 2 success aboard the five-year-old, whom he has been trialling and galloping in recent weeks.
Among the emerging contenders, Mark Newnham-trained My Wish looms as a serious threat. Carrying the minimum weight of 115 pounds, the G3 Celebration Cup Handicap winner has impressed early in the season and is considered a horse to beat by several jockeys.
Sunday’s ten-race card at Sha Tin begins at 12.45pm with the Class 5 Shek Mun Handicap (1400m), promising a day of competitive racing for fans.
Read the full Sha Tin Trophy preview and analysis on RaceBuzz.
