WINNO'S WINNERS - THE LONGINES HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL RACE DAY 2024

By Darren Winningham | Saturday, December 7, 2024

The racing world is ready for Sunday’s LONGINES Hong Kong International Races which features four fantastic Group 1 races for prize-money totalling HK$126 million.
Those feature races are:

The LONGINES Hong Kong Vase – race 4 (HK$24 million prize money)
The LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint – race 5 (HK$26 million prize money)
The LONGINES Hong Kong Mile – race 7 (HK$36 million prize money)
The LONGINES Hong Kong Cup – race 8 (HK$40 million prize money)
Sunday meeting features a ten-race program – let’s get into it!

Race 1

A Class 4 race to start off the program – over 1200 metres. There are many runners here with gear changes – these changes may hold the key to the race.

Looks like Zac Purton and James McDonald get to tangle in the first race to see who gets the first win on the board.

JMAC will ride Run Run Timing (3) for Dennis Yip – has the blinkers on this week and a win in a recent barrier trial – should see a marked improvement on his recent efforts.

David Hall trains Mr Energia (4) – Purton will ride. He won first up over 1200 metres in a fast time. Since then, he has stepped up to 1400 metres and appears to have struggled. He has had a four week freshen up and has had a recent barrier trial suggesting that he is ready to be back in the winner's circle.

City Thunder (1) was narrowly defeated by Patch Of Time (2) last time out. With the weight turn around he gets in nicely here. He was held up at the 300 metres last time out and was just making his move into the race – this may have cost him the race. Lyle Hewitson retains the ride here - look for him to make amends to that last start effort.

Patch Of Time (2) is a last start winner at the track and distance – Karis Teetan will ride again for C Yip. He has gone up 3.5 kilograms for that win – he did race wide last time – it was a very solid effort.

I like Happy Park (11) as a roughie if you wish to play wide.

Selections:
4 – Mr Energia
1 – City Thunder
3 – Run Run Timing
2 – Patch Of Time
Rough chances – (11) Happy Park & (13) Invincible Lucky

Race 2

1400 metres at Class 4 – tough field this one. The race is named after the Hong Kong Champion – Beauty Generation! WINNO would claim he is the NUMBER 1 fan and Chairman of his fan club in Australia.

Legend St Paul’s (3) will be ridden by Derek Leung and is trained by Frankie Lor. This gelding ran second at his past two starts and has been very consistent and his times have been very strong. He has drawn barrier 11 and is third up for this run and should be at his peak fitness.

Jubilant Warrior (5) is trained by Jamie Richards and Blake Shinn is aboard. He had no luck last time out at this track and distance and since then has had a strong barrier trial win which would suggest he is very forward and will improve here.

Packing Angel (7) is trained by Francis Lui and Zac Purton will ride. Purton has a solid winning strike rate for this trainer – 29 %. After a bold first up effort running second, he then stepped out over 1200 metres and just seemed to race flat. He faces the 1400 metres for the first time, however, on his recent runs it would suggest that he is suited and will be able to finish off the race strongly. Look for Purton to be bold coming down the outside and looking to post another winner early on this big day.

Dragon Four Seas (12) should be on the pace and has drawn well in barrier 2 for trainer KL Man – JMAC will ride. He resumed from a spell racing in two 1400 metre races where he ran second in both races. Since then, he stepped up to 1600 metres and it just didn't seem to suit him. He drops back in distance this weekend, has drawn well and has the services of JMAC. There are plenty of reasons to like this runner.

Master Phoenix (6) for David Eustace and Vincent Ho stormed home over 1200 metres last time out – look for a huge effort with the step up in distance.

Selections:

3 – Legend St Pauls
5 – Jubilant Winner
7 – Packing Angel
12 – Dragon Four Seas
Rough chance – (6) Master Phoenix

Race 3

A race over 1200 metres – this time at the Class 3 level. Named after the mighty Japanese sprinter Lord Kanaloa.

Gone for a roughie here who is down in the weights and trained by the astute John Size – Lifeline Express (13). He is third up here for this preparation and he has run very well in his first two runs. He seems to get back in these races and then make his run late which will mean that he will need some luck in the straight, but on his recent efforts I would suggest that he is a very good each way chance. Alexis Badel will ride.

Purton will ride Savvy Brilliant (1) for Frankie Lor. He was heavily supported first up and got the chocolates easily - then second up was sent out again a very short price favourite and just seemed to struggle late with the big weight. He will strip fitter for that effort, and I suggest that he will be right in this race.

Divano (4) is another JMAC ride for trainer Francis Lui. Just forget he went around last start. He had no luck - he got hammered at the start and then had no luck in the straight being held up at a vital stage meaning he never really got a crack at them. I would suggest that given any luck this weekend he will atone for that poor effort. I think he will be heavily supported on the day.

Patch Of Cosmo (8) is trained by KL Man and will be ridden by Luke Ferraris. He has been racing very consistently winning two races in Class 4 before stepping up to Class 3 grade. He was not disgraced in that effort. He is drawn well this week and could measure up again – keep safe.

The race is open – maybe best to play wide. Some other runners with chances include last start leader and winner Young Superstar (3) and Victory Sky (10) who was hampered late last time out.

Selections:

13 – Lifeline Express
1 – Savvy Brilliant
4 – Divano
8 – Patch Of Cosmo
Rough chances – (3) Young Superstar & (10) Victory Sky

Race 4 LONGINES HONG KONG VASE

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

The 2024 LONGINES HONG KONG VASE – Group 1. The Japanese have dominated this race in recent years with three wins out of the last five years. Great Britain won it in 2020 and the French won in 2023.

Without A Fight (1) is the Australian runner trained by Anthony & Sam Freedman. Mark Zahra to ride. Has done everything right on the track and looks in great order – I just think some of these other runners are going to be fitter and may outperform him on the day.

Trained by Aidan O’Brien and with Ryan Moore to ride is Luxembourg (3). Who can ever not forget this runner running Romantic Warrior to a nose in the 2023 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup. Memorable – exciting – exhilarating. He has travelled over well – has not missed a trick at track work - $10 on offer he is a genuine threat for mine.

The French are back to defend their title in 2023. Marquisat (6) is trained by Andre Fabre – he won the race last year and is the only trainer to train three winners in this race – can he rewrite the history books? The horse is owned by Godolphin and will be ridden by Mikhael Barzalona – hot off his superb upset win in the LONGINES International Jockeys Championship win on Wednesday night. They are all saying Marquisat is a wet track runner – but his work on the all-weather track and the turf has been exceptional all week.

I cannot split these two runners – I will be backing them both

Giavellotto (2) is the Great Britain runner trained by Marco Botti and ridden by Oisin Murphy. Again, some strong form in the lead up to the race. Some very good work at the track across the week in the lead up to the race would suggest that he is here to win. Do not underestimate this runner.

The Japanese are looking for some “Magic” from Joao Moreira with their three-year-old filly – Stellenbosch (13). She has shown some very exciting work both on the all-weather track and the turf track across the week in the lead up to this race. She's travelled across well, looks well but faces her toughest test in her career. She comes off some solid efforts in Japan. She could measure up.

The locals could cause an upset with the Pierre Ng trained Ka Ying Generation (11) with Andrea Atzeni aboard.

Selections:

6 – Marquisat
3 – Luxembourg
2 – Giavellotto
13 – Stellenbosch
Rough chance – (11) Ka Ying Generation & (1) Without A Fight

Race 5 LONGINES HONG KONG SPRINT

The second leg of our International races on the program – on paper it is dominated by the untapped Ka Ying Rising who is $1.30 to win the race.

At Group 1 level over 1200 metres.

The Hong Kong sprinters have a hometown advantage here for mine. Ka Ying Rising (1) is trained by David Hayes and will be ridden by Zac Purton. He has drawn wide in barrier 11 but only bad luck should see him get beaten.

As a matter of fact – I think that Hong Kong will dominate here and fill all placings!

Howdeepisyourlove (13) is trained by John Size and JMAC will ride. Did finish off strong behind Ka Ying Rising when he ran second to him – probably does the same again here.

Hellios Express (12) is the stable mate with Hugh Bowman to ride. Bowman has been optimistic about this gelding performing well here. He raced well at this distance and track and ran third to Ka Ying Rising at his most recent effort.

California Spangle (2) is trained by Tony Cruz and Brenton Avdulla will ride. He has been out of sorts recently – however, if he can produce his best form, he will be right in this race.

Recommendation (10) from Ciaron Maher stables hasn’t missed a drum all week – I just think he needs a wet track to shine.

Selections:

1 – Ka Ying Rising
13 – Howdeepisyourlove
2 – California Spangle
12 – Helios Express

Race 6

A class 3 race over 1800 metres.

Sunstrider (11) is trained by David Hall and Zac Purton will ride. He raced last time out over 2000 metres and seemed to struggle at the distance. Dropping back here to 1800 metres this weekend I expect him to be super competitive in this field.

Family Jewel (8) will be ridden by JMAC for Casper Fownes. His last three starts have featured two wins at the mile before stepping up to 2000 metres where he ran well but just seemed to struggle running out the distance. Back in distance this weekend I expect that he will be the one to beat in this race. He should race forward on the speed and be given every chance by JMAC.

Star Mac (4) is trained by David Hayes with Karis Teetan aboard. This runner settles back in the field before making his final run late - he will need some luck in the running to get the job done. In his last start here over the mile he got hammered at the start and then worked into the race nicely, but just ran out of time to win the race. He steps up an extra 200 metres this week and on that performance, he will be storming home late and could upset the more favoured runners.

Californiatotality (10) is trained by Tony Cruz with Brenton Avdulla riding. Look I think this is another runner who just didn't stay in the 2000 metres last time out and one that I expect dropping back in distance will also acquit himself better this weekend - keep safe.

Mark Newnham trains Bravehearts (1). He has won his past two starts – just getting up in the weights now, but winning form is good from. Newnham is having a tremendous season – do not leave him out. Matthew Poon will ride.

Selections:

8 – Family Jewel
11 – Sunstrider
4 – Star Mac
10 – Californiatotality
Rough chance – (1) Bravehearts

Race 7 LONGINES HONG KONG MILE

The third leg of our International races on the program. A full field of 14 to face the starter here.

Vincent Ho has had a stranglehold on this race in recent years winning three out of the last four editions of the race aboard the retired Hong Kong champion Golden Sixty. He is riding Galaxy Patch (6) for Pierre Ng who was defeated at this track and distance last time out by Voyage Bubble (2). That was after Galaxy Patch won first up over the mile. If you go through his form, you will see that he has terrible form second up and then re-bounds each preparation when he races third up. He is third up here in this important race and I think that the Vincent Ho domination of this race may continue with this horse winning.

JMAC will ride Voyage Bubble (2) for Ricky Yiu. They all combined last time out in a Group 2 event over the mile here and got the job done. The trainer and jockey have been very confident all week suggesting that this is the horse to beat in the Hong Kong mile. He will be in the race for a long way. Do not underestimate.

The Japanese runners look strong this year. Jantar Mantar (12) on paper looks the best of them. He is trained by Tomokazu Takano and will be ridden by Yuga Kawada. He comes into this race after a strong win over the mile at Tokyo where he was sent out a heavily backed favourite and ran some very good times and sectionals when posting that win. His work at Sha Tin track all week has been very good. There should be no excuses here.

Soul Rush (1) is another Japanese runner that could race well here. He is trained by Y Ikee and Joao Moreira will ride him again after finishing fourth in this race in 2023. He has been racing well in Japan and his track work has been striking at Sha Tin all week.

The Australian runner Antino (3) is from Queensland trained, by Tony Gollan with Blake Shinn aboard, is right in this race. It is always difficult for horses to come from overseas and take on the local Hong Kong runners on their own turf in their own backyard, as well as the international runners. This is the challenge that faces the QLD trained Antino. He has performed well all week on the all-weather surface and the turf at Sha Tin racecourse. Trainer Tony Gollan has been impressed with his work, and with a very good barrier draw on Thursday at the official ceremony, he comes right into this race and should not be underestimated.

Selections:

6 – Galaxy Patch
2 – Voyage Bubble
12 – Jantar Mantar
3 – Antino
Rough chance – (1) Soul Rush

Race 8 LONGINES HONG KONG CUP

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

Who can even go past what I consider to be the next Hong Kong pin up champion – Romantic Warrior (1) - trained by Danny Shum and with Aussie James McDonald in the saddle. It has been well documented all week that McDonald has reported the horses flying on the track and only bad luck will beat him, so sit back and enjoy one of the unique and probably one of the best moments in equine history when you see this absolute champion step out and thrash them in the Cup this year. In doing so he will create Hong Kong racing history posting his third consecutive win in the race. He is currently $1.40 to win the race.

Liberty Island (9) is a Japanese runner trained by Mitsumasa Nakauchida with Yuga Kawada in the saddle. She did run second to the Japanese champion Equinox last year. Since then a trip to Dubai and where she ran third. Her first up effort in Tokyo was poor, but she has been working well this week.

Wingspan (11) represents Ireland – trained by Aiden O’Brien and Wayne Lordan to ride. Has some solid Group 1 form in her seven-start career – she could measure up here – this is her most difficult task to date. The stable mate is Content (10), to be ridden by Ryan Moore, could manage to run into the prize money.


Selections:

1 – Romantic Warrior
9 – Liberty Island
11 – Wingspan
10 – Content

Race 9

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

Looks like another battle on paper between Purton and JMAC.

Pierre Ng (current leading HK trainer) trains Johannes Brahms (3) who drew wide last time out here. They elected to go forward on him, and he just weakened late. He has had a strong barrier trial since which he won. This weekend has drawn ideally in barrier 4 which will mean that Purton will be able to go forward and not use any petrol early, hopefully sneaking in behind another leader, take a sit and then expose him late and get the job done.

JMAC will ride the impressive Charming Legend (6) for trainer Danny Shum. He debuted last time out here in Hong Kong with an impressive win, and he ran solid time. He goes up in ratings and in weight after that effort. Going up 3 kilograms for that win may be an issue in this grade. He has had only three career starts and in all three of them he has finished first – he is an impressive type, and I am sure JMAC will be looking to post another winner on this programme.

Lucy In The Sky (1) is trained by Y Tsui and Karis Teetan will ride. He drew wide last time out and went across the field and took up a forward position. He has drawn better this weekend – maybe will get a nice trail in behind the leaders and despite the large weight finish the race off strongly.

Magnificent Time (12) and Lucky Combination (11) are rough hopes for your exotic bets.

Selections:

3 – Johannes Brahms
6 – Charming Legend
1 – Lucy In The Sky
12 – Magnificent Nine
Rough chance – (11) Lucky Combination

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.

Francis Lui has booked Joao “Magic Man” Moreira to ride Packing Hermod (10) in the last race. He won first up over 1200 metres in Class 3 grade before stepping up in grade (Class 2) and distance to the 1400 metres which he runs again this weekend. He is down in the weights and despite this he did run some sensational time last time out, so he looks very appealing at a big price and should be competitive in this race.

Young Champion (2) is a John Size runner with Karis Teetan to ride. He has a solid record at the 1400 metres, however, last time out he stepped up to a mile and just ran terribly which is very uncharacteristic for this runner. He was vetted after the race and there were no abnormalities found. Coming back in distance will probably suit him. He is ideally drawn in barrier 7. A gear change of ear plugs going on as well.

Sing Dragon (11) is trained by Mark Newnham and Alexis Badel will ride. He won last time out in this grade however it was over 1200 metres. He steps up in distance to 1400 metres for the first time. On his last effort win it would suggest that he will be extremely competitive with the extra distance this weekend. He is drawn nicely as well in barrier 2.

Rubylot (12) is trained by David Hayes with Lyle Hewitson to ride. He resumed with a solid effort over 1200 metres in class three grade where he destroyed the field. He then had a freshen up for a month before resuming and going up in grade to Class 2 and racing over 1400 metres for the first time. He was not disgraced in this effort, and I think he will strip fitter and be better placed for that experience.

Flying Ace (2) is trained by David Hall – Matthew Poon will ride. Back in grade from Group 2 to this grade – must take on trust.

Selections:

10 – Packing Hermod
9 – Young Champion
11 – Sing Dragon
12 – Rubylot
Rough chance – (2) Flying Ace
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Jockey’s Challenge

Looks like a straight battle between James McDonald and Zac Purton. It will be all over after race 9 as they both do not ride in the last race. I have them dead heating on 28 points – so take your pick!

Early Quaddie (races 3 to 6 only)

1,4,8,13 / 2,3,6,12 / 1,13 / 4,8,11 - cost is $96 to $1

Value Early Quaddie (races 3 to 6)

1,13 / 2,3,6 / 1 /8,11 - cost is $12 to $1

Quaddie (races 7 to 10)

2,3,6 / 1 / 1,3,6 / 2,9,10,11 - cost is $36 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 7 to 10)

2,6 / 1 / 3,6 / 9,10,11 - cost is $12 to $1

Treble (races 8 to 10)

1 / 1,3,6 / 2,9,10,11 - cost is $12 to $1

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