Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday with an exciting 11-race programme, headlined by the Group Three Queen Mother Memorial Cup, a handicap over a mile and a half, scheduled for 8:40pm. The race for the Trainers' Championship remains fiercely competitive, with the lead changing hands regularly, resembling a game of musical chairs. With half a dozen stables still in contention and only a quarter of the season left, the outcome is unpredictable.
John Size's Quiet Confidence
Current champion and 13-time winner John Size has downplayed his chances of retaining the title, currently trailing joint leaders Caspar Fownes and Mark Newnham by nine winners. However, Size enjoyed a highly successful April with eight winners, including a four-timer in mid-month. Historically, his stable hits top gear at this stage of the season with a host of promising newcomers, so dismissing his chances would be premature. Rivals will undoubtedly monitor his progress closely.
Size sends out a strong team of nine gallopers, including several future Group-class candidates based on recent winning form. One standout is the diminutive Nautical Force, who made a winning debut in a fiercely contested nine-furlong handicap last month. He now steps up to deeper waters in the Queen Mother Memorial Cup. While many of his six rivals are untested over the 12-furlong trip, this former UK galloper finished fourth over the distance in the hot King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot last June and will appreciate returning to his optimum distance.
Sky Jewellery and Red Maestro
Stable companion Sky Jewellery also harbors serious aspirations for top-level success, provided he passes his test in the mile Members Cup Handicap at 9:40pm. Health issues have limited his short career; he was once considered a serious contender for the Four-Year-Old Classic Series. However, his comeback run, where he demolished a smart set of rivals over seven furlongs last month, was full of promise. He can take advantage of the 16 pounds he receives from main threat Stormy Grove.
Finally, keep an eye on Red Maestro in the seven-furlong Shenzhen Centre Handicap at 10:45pm. Size has always held this son of Ten Sovereigns in high regard. After a thorough preparation, Red Maestro made his debut over an inadequate six-furlong trip in March. He has improved significantly since then and, despite facing stiff opposition, can go close.
Pointers
- Nautical Force – 8:40pm, Sha Tin
- Sky Jewellery – 9:40pm, Sha Tin
- Red Maestro (each-way) – 10:45pm, Sha Tin
