The Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) takes centre stage at Sha Tin on Sunday, shaping up to be an intriguing contest.
The biggest talking point of the race is Hugh Bowman replacing Zac Purton in the saddle of last year’s winner, top-liner California Spangle. California Spangle undeniably brings the strongest form into the race. However, in contrast to last year’s success where he carried just 121lbs to victory, this year he will shoulder a 135lb impost as the top-weight.
Purton is set to ride trainer John Size’s up-and-comer, Beauty Eternal (123lbs), with the five-year-old resuming after a stellar four-year-old season, winning seven out of ten races. Trainer Mark Newnham will be hoping for a strong run from Tourbillon Diamond, the highest-rated horse in his yard, who was runner-up to California Spangle in this race last year.
Earlier on the card, five-year-old gelding KA YING WARRIOR looks all set to score a first career win in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m for trainer Dennis Yip.
KA YING WARRIOR disappointed on debut last season with a no-show down the Sha Tin straight, but trialled up well on several occasions during the off season. That led to him being favoured to score first-up for this season, and even thought he fell short, he put the writing on the wall with a narrow defeat into second place.
From barrier 3 and with Zac Purton remaining in the saddle on Sunday, KA YING WARRIOR will strip a fitter horse second-up and will get all the favours to break through.
