A trio of Hong Kong heavy hitters are among the 22 Group 1 winners signed on for the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) at Sha Tin on Sunday, December 14.
Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) is aiming for his fourth win in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup after winning that event the past three years. Aiming to extend his unbeaten streak to 16 races, Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) targets the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint. Rounding out the local trio is Hong Kong Triple Crown hero Voyage Bubble (Deep Field) who is hoping to defend his crown in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile.
They will face an international brigade featuring the horse rated best in the world, Calandagan (Gleneagles), and the gelding's stablemate Quisisana (Le Havre) from the Francis-Henri Graffard yard. Both of the French-trained runners are pointing to the Cup.
G1 Sprinters Stakes hero Win Carnelian (Screen Hero) and fellow top-liner Satono Reve (Lord Kanaloa) are both signed on to the Sprint, and Khaadem (Dark Angel) is also entered in that affair. Docklands (Massaat), who recently finished ninth in the G1 Mile Championship, will try his hand in the Mile, while G1 Dubai Turf winner Soul Rush (Rulership) will also take in that race. Japanese Classic heroine Embroidery (Admire Mars) is another for the Mile.
In the Vase, Giavellotto (Mastercraftsman) will attempt to defend his title, but he faces Eydon (Olden Times) and top-level winners Sosie (Sea The Stars) and Goliath (Adlerflug).
Andrew Harding, executive director, racing, HKJC, said, “The Longines Hong Kong International Races are one of the most important events on racing's global calendar, and this year we look forward to witnessing the feats of Romantic Warrior, Ka Ying Rising, Calandagan, Soul Rush and Voyage Bubble, among many others.
“We are excited by the quality of selected runners for this year's Longines Hong Kong International Races and the presence of so many of the stars is in keeping with our long-held commitment to deliver sporting excellence. The stage is now set for Sunday, 14 December at Sha Tin.”
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