The Sha Tin grandstand was unusually hushed on Tuesday morning, but all eyes lit up the moment Voyage Bubble stretched out down the straight. The reigning Hong Kong Triple Crown champion eased through a 1200m dirt barrier trial, his stride carrying quiet assurance ahead of a highly anticipated return in the G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) later this month.
Ridden patiently by Matthew Poon, Voyage Bubble dropped to the back before cruising home in fourth, just under three lengths behind Invincible Shield, who clocked 1m 10.62s. Monarch County and Galaxy Patch filled the minor spots. For trainer Ricky Yiu, the effort was exactly what he wanted to see.
“I think this trial was better than his last trial,” Yiu reflected. “He made up ground, and Matthew said he enjoyed it and had a good blow. That’s what he needed. He probably won’t trial again before the race, just a strong gallop on the turf.”
It was a measured step forward for a horse who dominated last season, sweeping the Stewards’ Cup, Hong Kong Gold Cup, and Champions & Chater Cup to land the Hong Kong Triple Crown, alongside titles as both Champion Miler and Champion Stayer. Five Group 1 wins are already inked into his record, yet the sense is that Yiu is again preparing him for another season-long narrative of glory.
Poon, who knows the gelding well, felt the freshness in his mount’s stride. “He felt good, sharp, and fresh,” the jockey said. “He jumped well, he trialled good, and we’ve still got a little bit of time. I’m really looking forward to the Sha Tin Trophy — I trust him and I hope he runs really well.”
The road ahead promises a series of marquee clashes. After the Sha Tin Trophy, Voyage Bubble is set to lock horns with Celebration Cup hero My Wish in the BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile on 23 November. From there, the spotlight will shift to December’s HK$36 million LONGINES Hong Kong Mile — a race Yiu has already won once — before another tilt at the Triple Crown begins.
“We’ll try to follow the same path as last season,” Yiu confirmed, hinting at a campaign designed with precision.
Elsewhere at Tuesday’s trials, G1 FWD Champions Mile winner Red Lion enjoyed a quiet spin under Hugh Bowman, finishing midfield behind Invincible Shield. Yiu, Hong Kong’s champion trainer in 2019/20, will saddle five runners on Wednesday’s National Day Raceday, which kicks off with the Class 5 Shenyang Handicap (1400m) at 1pm.
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