Romantic Warrior, the acclaimed Hong Kong racehorse, is set to compete from barrier number seven in the upcoming Group One Longines Hong Kong Cup, a position that has previously brought him significant success. Owner Peter Lau Pak-fai, trainer Danny Shum Chap-shing, and jockey James McDonald are looking forward to replicating the triumphs of last year’s Hong Kong Cup and this year’s Cox Plate, where Romantic Warrior also started from the same gate.
This barrier position seems to bring a stroke of luck for Romantic Warrior, who has a track record of three wins from gate seven, including a remarkable victory in a Class Three sprint in December 2021. The positioning in the upcoming Hong Kong Cup looks favorable, with most speed influencers in the race drawn outside of Romantic Warrior. This could provide an excellent opportunity for the titleholder to become the first back-to-back champion of the HK$36 million contest since California Memory’s consecutive wins in 2011 and 2012.
In contrast, Golden Sixty, another favorite, faces a challenging scenario with an outside gate start in the Group One Hong Kong Mile. The speed map for the Mile is not in favor of Golden Sixty, who has previously struggled from an outside position. The dynamics of the race are set to be intriguing, with various competitors like Lim’s Kosciuszko, California Spangle, and others potentially influencing the pace.
The Group One Hong Kong Sprint also presents an interesting lineup with Victor The Winner likely leading from barrier four. However, notable competitors like Lucky Sweynesse and Wellington have drawn favorable gates, which could make for a competitive race.
Barriers typically have less impact in the 2,400m races at Sha Tin, but in the Group One Hong Kong Vase, O’Brien’s three-year-old filly, Warm Heart, will attempt to be the first to win from the inside gate. Other notable participants like Encountered, Beauty Eternal, Hishi Iguazu, and Prognosis have drawn less favorable barriers, adding to the suspense of the race outcomes.
Romantic Warrior’s performance from barrier seven in the Hong Kong Cup is highly anticipated, with fans and experts eager to see if the horse can continue his streak of success from this lucky position. The race promises to be a highlight event, showcasing the best of Hong Kong’s horse racing talent and the excitement of the sport.
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