Uniting International Horse Racing in Hong Kong's Grand Weekend

Hong Kong's Racing Powerhouse

In Hong Kong, the Longines Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin Racecourse showcase a powerful lineup. Romantic Warrior, the reigning Horse of the Year, is the brightest star. With 16 local victories, including two Longines Hong Kong Cup wins and recent triumphs in Australia and Japan, he's poised to break records. Regular rider James McDonald praises his versatility, saying, "He's just a perfect racehorse. He's got gate speed. He's got sustained speed. I just really enjoy riding him." Owner Peter Lau Pak Fai and trainer Danny Shum plan to take him to Saudi Arabia for the $20 million Group 1 Saudi Cup in February, marking his first dirt course appearance. In the Hong Kong Cup, he faces tough competition from Japan's Liberty Island and Irish fillies Content and Wingspan.

The Longines Hong Kong Sprint features Ka Ying Rising, a 4-year-old rising star. He's won seven straight races, breaking the course record in his most recent effort. Trainer David Hayes is impressed, stating, "Zac doesn't often kiss the camera with 100 meters to go. And then to break the record anyway …." Finding a likely challenger for this big race is challenging, with England's Starlust and California Spangle having their own performances but facing questions. The only American-trained horse, 2023 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner Nobals, was scratched due to a fever.

The Hong Kong Mile and Vase

The Longines Hong Kong Mile and Longines Hong Kong Vase offer excellent and competitive fields. The Mile features the first five finishers from the local prep race, defending against Japanese and international horses. The Vase might revolve around Luxembourg, an Irish runner trained by Aidan O'Brien. A year ago, he came close to beating Romantic Warrior, and now he stretches out to 2,400 meters. The question is whether he still has enough in him at age 5.

Japan's Rising Stars

In Japan, the Grade 1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies features May Day Ready, an American filly with a record of three wins from four starts. She's won the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Fillies Stakes and the Grade II Jessamine Stakes. Facing Japanese fillies with promise but less experience, she's set to make her mark.

International Races in the US

Back in the States, Senor Buscador and Book’em Danno will meet in the $500,000 Grade II Cigar Mile at Aqueduct. Senor Buscador won the $20 million Saudi Cup in February but has struggled in his last three starts. Book’em Danno has performed better against easier foes. The one to beat might be Mullikin.

In other US races, eight nice fillies and mares line up for the $200,000 Grade III Go for Wand at Aqueduct. Keewaydin tops the morning line for the $250,000 Grade II Remsen at Aqueduct. Muhimma is the odds-on favorite for the $250,000 Grade II Demoiselle at Aqueduct, while Vodka With a Twist is the 5-2 morning-line pick for the $200,000 Grade II Starlet at Los Alamitos. Saturday's races at Tampa Bay Downs and Pleasanton also feature well-matched fields.