WINNO'S WINNERS: HKIR, SHA TIN, DECEMBER 14

By Darren Winningham | Saturday, December 13, 2025

The LONGINES Hong Kong International Races will light up Sha Tin on Sunday in what will be an enthralling culmination of a week of premier racing by the Hong Kong Jockey Club for 2025.

Sunday’s meeting features a ten-race program, headlined by the four Group 1 international races … the Sprint, the Mile, the Vase and the Cup.

NB: As these selections were made prior to race-day, please check for any changes to track conditions and for any scratchings on the day.

Race 1

A Class 4 race to start off the program – over 1200 metres.

David Hayes and Zac Purton combine early here with Rising Phoenix (10). This writer has been racing at Happy Valley for his past two starts. On each occasion he was drawn wide and had to go back and that had to be ridden for luck in the straight. He has powered home on each of those occasions which suggests that the 1400 metres here looks ideal for him.

Flying Boom (5) is an interesting runner as this is his third start in Hong Kong. His first two efforts have been sound and I would suggest that he has plenty of improvement left in him - Matthew Poon will ride for C.W. Chang.

Thousand Spirit (2) has recently come back in grade from class 3 to class 4. He tried to lead throughout at his last start and I'm not sure whether it was just his condition or whether the heavy weight stopped him.Lyle Hewitson has retained the ride this week. He is drawn nicely, is trained by the inform Mark Newnham there's a lot to suggest that this runner will be right in the finish.

California Star (9) is coming back in distance from his recent starts where he has raced over the mile. He gets way back in these races and then thunders home late, but he needs so much luck in the straight to post a win. He has drawn wide and will go back again.

Selections:

10 – Rising Phoenix
5 – Flying Boom
2 – Thousand Spirit
9 – California Star
Rough chance – (6) Ka Ying Glory

Race 2

A 1200 metres race at Class 3 level – tough field this one.

Forza Leader (10) was once a QLD runner trained by Tony Gollan – now trained by Y S Tsui. Lyle Hewitson will ride the horse. He has had plenty of trails – may show up here.

Refusetobeenglish (6) is trained by Pierre Ng and Maxime Guyon will ride from barrier 5. He has been racing at Happy Valley. I think he needs to be on this big track – watch for a dramatic improvement.

Circuit Grand Slam (1) is trained by KL Man and Christophe Soumillon is aboard for the first time. He won in this grade last time out and was impressive. He goes up dramatically in the weights but looks a nice type and could go on with that winning form.

Let’s Have Fun (11) is not without a rough chance – a debutant for the David Hayes yards.

Selections:

6 – Refusetobeenglish
1 – Circuit Grand Slam
10 – Forza Leader
12 – Young Arrow
Rough chance – (11) Let’s Have Fun

Race 3

A Class 4 race over 1200 metres.

A few of these topweights have all won on debut here in Hong Kong – they all have massive weights, so they may be troubled late.

Zac Purton rides Packing Phoenix for trainer Francis Lui. He won on debut – then was heavily backed and was disappointing first up. Since then, he has had a freshen up and some nice barrier trials. I am putting him on top.

Majestic Valour (1) is trained by Pierre Ng and Ryan Moore will replace Purton who rode and won on him on debut. He is drawn perfectly in barrier 7 and looks like he has plenty of improvement in him. Looks well placed and has the services of the recently crowned LONGINES IJC for 2025.

Mabubu (2) is trained by W.Y. So and Vincent Ho will ride. Another winner on debut and Ho retains the ride. He was not supported on that day being sent out at huge odds of $29. He led all the way on that occasion and will find it harder this week from barrier 12.

James McDonald will ride Jubilant Star (6) for David Hall. He generally likes to get back in his races and work home. There seems to be a fair bit of speed in this race – he gets perfect conditions to post a long overdue win.

Selections:

3 – Packing Phoenix
1 – Majestic Valour
6 – Jubilant Star
2 – Mabubu
Rough chance – (8) Cool Boy

Race 4 LONGINES HONG KONG VASE, 2400m – GROUP 1

The first leg of our International feature races on the program.
Only eleven runners.

The horses that have shown some consistent work all week are Sosie (5) and Giavellotto (3). I can only believe what I have seen each morning on the track – they appear to have travelled well and have been thriving.

Sosie (5) is trained by Andre Fabre who won this race with Junko in 2023. On that occasion Maxime Guyon rode that winner for him and he will be on this runner looking for his second win in the race.

His form in the lead up to this assignment has been consistent. His Group 1 record – 7 starts – 3 wins and 2 placings … and he is only a four-year-old.

Giavellotto (3) won this race last year in a boilover. He is trained by Michael Botti and Andrea Atzeni will ride. His only Group 1 win was here last year. He has been solid in his lead up runs and the track work has been eye-catching.

Al Riffa (2) is trained by Joseph O’Brien and Dylan Browne McMonagle will ride him. He has a solid association with this horse. 11 rides – 5 wins and 4 seconds. This is the runner who ran in the 2025 Melbourne Cup. Has been back to Ireland for a freshen up. Has arrived here and been great on the track – is owned by the Australian Bloodstock Syndicate – maybe we can claim an Aussie win after all!

Selections:

5 – Sosie
2 – Al Riffa
3 – Giavellotto
6 – Urban Chic

Race 5 LONGINES HONG KONG SPRINT – GROUP 1

The second leg of our International races on the program – we get to see a CHAMPION at Group 1 level over 1200 metres.

The winner is Ka Ying Rising – David Hayes and Zac Purton will be raising the trophies after the race with the warmest and biggest smiles. This horse is a freak – I cannot wait to see him in action yet again!

The interest is in who can run the placings and get some of the massive prize money on offer.

Satono Reve (2), a Japanese runner ,may spoil the Hong Kong trifecta. Ryan Moore will ride for trainer Noriyuki Hori. He ran third here in this race last year and then second in the Chairman’s Sprint both times behind Ka Ying Rising. He can run time and good sectionals.

Helios Express (4) will be ridden by Hugh Bowman and is trained by John Size. This horse just thrives over the Sha Tin 1200 metres – he will be thereabouts.

Fast Network is a nice ride for James McDonald for local trainer Dennis Yip. Last time out he looked like he had Ka Ying Rising’s measure entering the straight – but then he got a wind vortex and was thrown backwards as Ka Ying Rising turned on the afterburners and said see you all later!

Selections:

1 – Ka Ying Rising
2 – Satono Reve
6 – Fast Network
4 – Helios Express

Race 6

A class 3 race over 1800 metres.

Gentlemen Legacy (2) is trained by Tony Cruz with Zac Purton aboard. He has been racing at 2000 metres in his last few starts. Dropping back in distance will probably suit him and he has a great record at 1800 metres with four starts and in each start has won or placed – keep safe.

Snowfield (6) is trained by Hong Kong’s current leading trainer Mark Newnham – with Andrea Atzeni riding. This runner gets back in the field and has a solid sprint late. Again, he is dropping back from 2000 metres to the shorter distance. The tempo looks genuine in this race – he may be able to get some gaps in the straight and finish off strong.

Prestige Good (5) is the runner I like. He is trained by Ricky Yiu and J MAC will ride. He is third up here and looks ideally placed. Was a great second last time out over the 2000 metres – I think he gets his chance to win.

My roughie and one to watch is the Casper Fownes trained Sky Vino. Fownes had a winning treble on Wednesday night at Happy Valley – the stable is firing! Vincent Ho will ride. He has not won on this circuit – but when he races at Happy Valley, he can run time, so maybe a change of fortune here.

Jimmy Orman will ride Pope Cody (3) for Y S Tsui. He is stepping up in distance after some solid efforts at the mile in recent starts.

Selections:

5 – Prestige Good
6 – Snowfield
2 – Gentlemen Legacy
10 – Sky Vino
Rough chances –(3) Pope Cody & (7) Mister Dapper

Race 7 LONGINES HONG KONG MILE – GROUP 1

The third leg of our International Races on the program. A full field of 14 to face the starter here. This is probably the most even HONG KONG MILE edition in years – it brings a great deal of interest to the program.

The Hong Kong locals always dominate this race and have done for many years. They have solid representation again in 2025 – with Voyage Bubble (2)– Galaxy Patch (5) – My Wish (10) – Sunlight Power (9) and Copartner Prance (11).

I think that the international visitors have some genuine chances this year to finally end the Hong Kong domination.

I like the Japanese mare Embroidery (14) who is trained by Kazutomo Mori and jockey Christophe Lemaire to ride her. He has a solid affiliation with this horse – 6 rides for 4 wins. Her form over the mile is great and she has had a freshen up and has been consistent on the track all week at Sha Tin – she looks great!

The Lion In Winter (13) is trained by Aidan O’Brien with Ryan Moore to ride. O’Brien is a master at bringing these young horses to Hong Kong unexposed and getting them to thrive. He is looking for his first Group 1 win and he just ticks a few boxes for me – his work has been consistent all week at Sha Tin.

The local runners are going to be well presented and they will not lie down without a huge fight!

My Wish (10) trained by Mark Newnham and with Luke Ferraris riding is looking to win and, at the same time, give Newnham his first Group 1 victory in Hong Kong. He was five weeks between runs last time and seemed to peak late. Back to three weeks between runs seems ideal and he will be hard to hold out .

Galaxy Patch (5) is trained by Pierre Ng with J MAC riding. He won last time out here – solid effort. No drama with the mile – no drama on his home turf. But another looking for his maiden Group 1 win.

I can make a serious case for one that will be massive odds – Copartner Prince (11) - trained here by Francis Lui with jockey Maxime Guyon to ride. He has drawn barrier 1 – can run some time as well. I think he jumps, takes up the lead and, with a skilful jockey aboard, he may just get away with cheap sectionals and could make it difficult for them to run him down late.

Selections:

14 – Embroidery
10 – My Wish
5 – Galaxy Patch
13 – The Lion In Winter
Rough chance – (11) Copartner Prance

Race 8 LONGINES HONG KONG CUP – GROUP 1

The last leg of our International Races on the program – I just love this race each year!

Who can even go past Romantic Warrior (1), trained by Danny Shum and with Aussie James McDonald in the saddle.

They are looking for their fourth consecutive win in this race – a record that will probably never be beaten ever!

He is a CHAMPION – only bad luck will see him beaten.

Bellagio Opera (2) has Group 1 form and represents Japan. He is trained by Hiroyuki Uemura and has jockey Kazuo Yokoyama in the saddle. He has been impressive all week on the track – will be battling for the huge prize money for the placings.

Quisisana (7) is a French horse trained by Francis Graffard with jockey Christophe Soumillon to ride. Has been racing well in Europe in the lead up to this event and is well placed.

Galen (4) is part owned by some Aussies from QLD. He faces his first ever Group 1 start – but he just seems to have so much potential. Joseph O’Brien trains him and he will be ridden by his regular rider Dylan Browne McMonagle. The ownership group is confident that he can perform on this international stage.

Selections:

1 – Romantic Warrior
2 – Bellagio Opera
7 – Quisisana
4 – Galen

Race 9

Class 3 race over 1400 metres. Some nice runners here with some ability.

Purton and J MAC look like the hardest to beat here. Everyone’s Star – is probably aptly named with Zac riding – he is the Hong Kong star! This runner is trained by Frankie Lor. His last start was after a 5-week break – with the small turn around I expect him to be right in the firing line.

Star Rise (3) well suppose the same logic here – a star in J MAC will ride for trainer David Hall. He has been racing at 1200 metres where he has been getting back and then running on late. Keeping that in mind you would expect him to be flashing home late with the extra distance. He has drawn well in barrier 2 – but I expect him to settle midfield. I think if JMAC can place him closer in the running than where he has been in his past few efforts then he will be right in this!

Charming Legend (4) is trained by Casper Fownes with jockey Umberto Rispoli to ride. He is resuming – some solid recent trials. He has won twice from three starts first up. I think he will be great each way odds.

Pray For Justice (9) was on debut in HK for trainer David Eustace – raced well – will be solid each way odds here. They just sometimes do not race as well second up – Andrea Atzeni will ride.

Karis Teetan rides Smart Avenue (14) for Dennis Yip. Another who gets back in his racing – will be forced to go back from barrier 11and will need to be ridden for luck – but Teetan can get the best out of his runners!

Selections:

2 – Everyone’s Star
3 – Star Rise
4 – Charming Legend
14 – Smart Avenue
Rough chance – (9) Pray For Justice

Race 10

The last race on the day – then the fireworks and music kick in after the horses have left the track – a true spectacle from the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Class 2 race over 1400 metres. The race has popped up a talented runner over the years.

I like Aeris Nova (8) for trainer W K Mo and jockey Derek Leung. Flew home over 1200 at his last start – was unlucky in the start before over this distance – looks well placed.

Public Attention (12) for the Aussie connection of David Hayes and jockey Craig Williams – a formidable duo wherever they pop up. Drawn in barrier 8 and resumed over 1200 metres running second in a Class 3 race with a massive weight – he drops dramatically in the weights, but he looks like he has plenty of ability. He won a recent barrier trial – looks well placed.

Beauty Crescent (13) has progressed from grade 3 to grade 2 and led them last time out and was run down late in solid time over this distance. He is trained by Tony Cruz and jockey Angus Chung will have him handy throughout.

Mid Winter Wind (14) is trained by Mark Newnham and Matthew L Chadwick will ride. He has had a month between runs – but showed he is forward with a recent barrier trial where he ran second. He has drawn barrier 3 and will be handy throughout.

A rough chance to Dromberg Banner (5) with Hollie Doyle aboard who has been working well on the track.

Selections:

8 – Aeris Nova
12 – Public Attention
14 – Mid Winter Wind
13 – Beauty Crescent
Rough chances – (5) Dromberg Banner
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Jockey’s Challenge

Looks like an easy win to Zac Purton. The other likely contenders are Maxime Guymon and James McDonald.

Early Quaddie (races 3 to 6 only)

1,3,6 / 2,3,5 / 1 / 2,5,6,10 - cost is $36 to $1

Value Early Quaddie (races 3 to 6)

1,3 / 3,5 / 1 / 5,6 - cost is $36 to $1

Quaddie (races 7 to 10)

5,10,11,13,14 / 1 / 2,3,4 / 8,12,14 - cost is $45 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 7 to 10)

5,10,14 / 1 /2,3 / 8,12 - cost is $12 to $1

Treble (races 8 to 10)

1 / 2,3,4 / 8,12,14 - cost is $9 to $1

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