John Size is on the brink of yet another landmark achievement as he edges closer to what would be a 13th Hong Kong trainers’ championship, a record that continues to underscore his enduring dominance in the territory’s racing scene. With just six race meetings remaining in the season, Size currently holds a solid lead, having saddled 64 winners so far. His focus this weekend is on the straight 1000m contest—the Class 1 Pearce Memorial Challenge Cup Handicap—where his charge Wunderbar returns to a sprint distance that has served him well in the past.
Wunderbar comes into the race in great nick, fresh off an impressive win over 1200m at Sha Tin a fortnight ago. Brenton Avdulla will take the reins this time with regular jockey Hugh Bowman sidelined. Despite stepping back in distance, the gelding has shown he’s more than capable down the straight course, including a near-miss earlier in the season when narrowly beaten. With two victories already over the 1000m at Sha Tin, the conditions appear to suit him well, though the competition on Saturday is stiff.
At the top of the weights is Magic Control, who narrowly edged out Wunderbar in their previous clash over the same trip. This time, the topweight benefit will be softened by apprentice Ellis Wong’s claim, potentially giving Magic Control another slight edge. Wunderbar, just a pound off the topweight, will be conceding ground to a field stacked with capable rivals like Beauty Waves, Aurora Lady, Full Credit, Horsepower, Red Elegance, and Stellar Express—all carrying lighter imposts.
Full Credit will be an interesting contender to watch as he returns from a layoff following a wind operation. Trainer Mark Newnham is cautiously optimistic about the gelding’s return, especially after a sharp recent trial on Sha Tin’s dirt track. Although the upcoming race represents a significant jump in class from his trial opponents, Newnham believes the versatile sprinter could rediscover his form quickly. With a win and six minor placings under his belt this season, the gelding has already proven his consistency.
Newnham’s season has been a personal best, having already surpassed last year’s tally. His optimism extends beyond Saturday’s feature, particularly with the promising My Wish, who’s come into his own with standout performances in both the Hong Kong Classic Mile and the Hong Kong Derby. Newnham sees further development in the talented galloper and is confident that the best is yet to come.
Meanwhile, jockey Matthew Poon will be hoping for a strong performance aboard Aurora Lady for trainer Pierre Ng, especially in the tight contest for the Tony Cruz Award. Poon currently holds a narrow lead over fellow local jockey Matthew Chadwick. The lightweight booking could work in Aurora Lady’s favor, as the gelding has previously shown ability over the straight Sha Tin track and could use this opportunity to log his fifth win of the season.
The action-packed day at Sha Tin kicks off with the Class 5 Kam Tin River Handicap over 1400m and promises a competitive card throughout. With high stakes in both championship standings and prestige, Saturday’s races are set to deliver drama, form reversals, and perhaps a glimpse into the stars of next season.
