The LONGINES Hong Kong International Races are officially in the rear-view mirror, and now the focus switches to the coming months when the three-race Four-Year-Old Classic Series, Triple Crown and Hong Kong Speed Series all commence. Following Ka Ying Rising’s HK$28 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) blitz, David Hayes was beaming at Sha Tin on Tuesday (16 December), indicating the world’s best sprinter will now take a short break before the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) – the first leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series – on 25 January. “He’s pulled up really well. It was, probably visually, his best performance. I think his last two runs have been career peaks and let’s hope he keeps holding that form. He will go to Conghua now and have a nice month. He’ll be back in January,” Hayes said. Hayes is eager to point Public Attention towards the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), the first leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series – on 1 February – which also comprises the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) before concluding with the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 22 March. The 83-rated colt has raced twice in Hong Kong. He has come within a half-length of winning both times, including his narrow third placing last Sunday (14 December) in Class 2 over 1400m. “I thought he ran really well. He just probably needs one more run at 1400 (metres). He is the stable’s premier Hong Kong Classic Mile horse,” Hayes said. Ricky Yiu is satisfied with six-time Group 1 winner Voyage Bubble following the weekend. The seven-year-old now embarks on another Triple Crown campaign when he seeks a third consecutive HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) triumph on 25 January. “He’s fine. He’s really, really well. He’s an amazing horse, and it seems like he hasn’t even had a race. He’s full of energy, and he’s tough. We’ll follow the same path as last season – next up is the Stewards’ Cup,” Yiu said. Before the city’s best returns next month, Wednesday’s (17 December) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley sees Hong Kong International Sale graduate Super Unicorn (125lb) go for a hat-trick of wins in the Class 3 Sea Eagle Handicap (1650m) under Andrea Atzeni. “He’s obviously improved. It’s done his confidence a lot of good getting his head in front a few starts ago. We thought going into his last run that he definitely had improved because his work at home was better going into the race. We knew we were up in class, but we weren’t overly surprised that he won the race,” Atzeni said. Rising in grade last month, Super Unicorn quickly made ground from well back to score by a neck at odds of 19/1 under Atzeni, who recently finished a narrow second on Giavellotto in Sunday’s HK$26 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m). “He (Giavellotto) ran a brilliant race,” Atzeni said. “Turning in I was going as well as the winner, if not better, but when the winner (Sosie) kicked, he got a little bit of a first run on us. My horse kept digging all the way to the line and the winner kept finding – two very good horses.” King Oberon (134lb) is also seeking a third consecutive win tomorrow night in the Class 4 Hong Kong Golf Club Centenary Cup Handicap (1200m) for trainer Douglas Whyte. Whyte said: “He’s really trained on well over the last two months. He seems to be in good order. He trialled 12 days ago and Luke (Ferraris) was very happy. His comments were positive, and again, he goes into the race in good form. “Confidence is a funny thing. He was a bit of a bridesmaid, and since he’s had that first win, and a good couple of places, I also think he’s enjoyed coming back to Happy Valley. But he bumped into some nice and up-and-coming horses at Sha Tin, and I think that broke his heart a little bit. He’s gained a bit of confidence and he’s showing that.” Wednesday’s (17 December) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley kicks off at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Heron Handicap (2200m). By Declan Schuster

Thursday’s Vaal Classic fixture on 18 December has the ingredients for a midweek jockey shootout, with Callan Murray, Gavin Lerena and Muzi Yeni locked, loaded, and armed with the firepower to dominate the nine-race card. Their book of rides is deep, their chances are layered across the card, and punters who play around the trio could be smiling all the way to the bank. Yeni should land the first meaningful punch in Race 2, where the rapidly rising Nkwenkwezi goes for a fourth straight win. Clinton Binda has coaxed this Erupt filly from “needs time” to “near unstoppable”, and her last victory over the same 2000m trip screamed further improvement. Yeni will keep her handy, and if she reproduces anything close to her recent hat-trick, the rest will be running to fill the runners-up berth. Race 3 hands Lerena a gilt-edged opportunity to strike with Master’s Lady, a filly who has tested punters’ patience but remains impossible to ignore. Three seconds from her last four starts highlight her consistency and frustration in equal measure, but Roy Magner has found a race that lacks the depth she’s been running into. Lerena’s aggressive timing could finally crack the code. Lerena stays alive in Race 5, where the staying-type Euphrates looks poised to cash in. Tony Peter has been edging this Wings Of Desire gelding towards the right race, and the return to 2400m seems deliberate. He’s been threatening repeatedly over shorter trips so this is his chance to convert promise into payout. Between those two lies Yeni’s most straightforward job of the day in Race 4, where Inspector James should break his maiden if racing fit after a 19-week rest. Johan Janse van Vuuren’s gelding was runner-up twice before the layoff and meets a field that won’t require big improvement to beat. If the money comes, expect Yeni to make no mistake. But the meeting shifts gears when Murray steps forward in the back half of the card. In Race 6, he climbs aboard Ethical, a filly with serious upward trajectory. Her winning handicap debut was slick, decisive, and full of authority — the kind of win that screams “still ahead of the handicapper”. Murray will suit her perfectly, and she’s the one punters may build late Pick 6 structures around. Murray remains the value rider in Race 8, where Drumnadrochit finally catches a break in conditions. Outclassed in the Grade 3 Fillies Mile, she now drops in grade and stretches to 1700m — a combination that gives her every chance to rebound. The Mike and Mathew de Kock team have been turning the screws lately, and this filly has the profile of an each-way sleeper with bite. And the De Kock–Murray partnership may close the show in Race 9 with Stokesy, who returns to 1500m for his first handicap assignment. Lightly raced, unexposed, and open to sharp improvement, he’s exactly the type the stable excels with — and Murray’s cool finishing style could make all the difference late on a tiring track. Clive Robinson

After a blockbuster Grade 1 weekend at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, Wednesday’s card offers more modest fare — but still some good chances for Christmas cash.

Wehaveasituation is in peak form and looks the one to beat in Race 6 (1800m). Trainer Paddy Kruyer is striking at over 20%, and Andrew Fortune has clicked perfectly with the filly, winning over this course and trip last time by 1.5 lengths. She’s been superbly placed, rising from maiden to multiple winner this season, and despite the 61kg, the fillies’ 2.5kg allowance keeps her competitive.

Balzi Rossi, fresh off his maiden win, is the main danger as an improving type stepping up in trip. Midway continues to go close and should be in the mix again despite being unreliable at winning.

In Race 1 (1800m), Up In Flames finds a good opportunity after a luckless last run, while Hazel Green should finally break through in Race 2 (1400m) with the strongest form in the field.

Kubu (Race 3) has shown promise in two runs and should keep improving, while District Master (Race 4) is knocking hard on the door and is due a win.

Race 5 pits stablemates Panjandrum and Whirlwind against each other, with jockey bookings offering mixed signals but both holding winning claims.

In Race 7, Hampstead Heath looks ready to score after a strong third behind Grade 1-placed Reet Petite, thriving now after a quiet winter.

Commanding (Race 8) has been costly but consistent and may finally get his win in a shallow field, with Count William the main rival.

The day ends with Oncidium in Race 9, who can bounce back after a below-par last run and remains capable at this level.

Turffontein hosts a bumper 10-race Public Holiday meeting on Tuesday, headlined by the Grade 2 Mike de Kock Ipi Tombe Challenge — a 1600m test for fillies and mares honouring the legendary Ipi Tombe. Mike de Kock has won the last two editions and bids for a third with Spumante Dolce, the best-weighted runner and daughter of 2013 winner Espumanti.

But Sean Tarry looks set to spoil the party. Callmegetrix has flourished since joining his yard, producing a second, a win, and another strong second. Her convincing Grade 2 Spring Challenge victory and smart Charity Mile runner-up effort mark her as the one to beat, especially back against her own sex and partnered by Richard Fourie. A repeat of her last run should be enough.

Rodeo Drive, close behind Callmegetrix in both key form races, is consistent and rates the main threat for a Tarry exacta. Kisshoten also deserves respect after beating future Summer Cup winner Mocha Blend last time out; despite a penalty, she remains a lively trifecta and quartet contender.

The supporting feature, the Sun Chariot Stakes (2400m), should revolve around Teo Torriatte, ultra-reliable at the trip and reunited with apprentice Mxolisi Mbutho, who has an excellent record on her. Despite top weight, she may get an uncontested lead in the small field and prove tough to reel in.

Elsewhere, De Kock is still primed for a double through two progressive three-year-olds. One Eye On Vegas, a close runner-up over 1160m after a strong fourth in the Grade 3 Graham Beck, looks ready to score in Race 4. Splittheeights, an impressive maiden winner on Summer Cup day, is well placed to follow up in Race 9 on handicap debut.

Clive Robinson

Romantic Warrior turned on the style at Sha Tin as he headed further into folklore with an unprecedented fourth straight victory in the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on Sunday (14 December). It was a performance that the fans lining the rails sporting the champion’s light blue colours would have expected as James McDonald steered his mount a convincing length and three-quarters ahead of Bellagio Opera. Hong Kong International Sale graduate Romantic Warrior has now reached a tally of 11 Group 1s in four different jurisdictions. Just short of his eighth birthday, he does not seem to be stopping any time soon. McDonald broke cleanly and sat just behind a steady pace set largely by Galen, whose rider Dylan Browne McMonagle sought to get first run on the field as the group of seven turned into the home straight. Romantic Warrior, though, was travelling well within himself and the crowd began to roar. With 400m remaining, he was in front and never looked to be passed despite the delayed challenge of Bellagio Opera, with Quisisana sneaking in late for third. Winning trainer Danny Shum took a brief moment to write down the final result in his racebook before he was descended upon by well-wishers. “I’m very proud of Romantic Warrior and our stable team, they work really hard,” Shum said. “It’s a big relief. He always gives me a lot of happiness, not only me but my stable, owners, my family and in Hong Kong, even racing fans or non-racing fans, they all love Romantic Warrior. “To be honest, there was a lot of pressure. He had his surgery (when a screw was inserted in his left front leg at the end of May), but he is such a good, calm, lovely horse. He’s part of my family, I love him. My son says I love Romantic Warrior more than him! “He’s very easy to train. He doesn’t need too much work and his body weight will tell you, his appetite will tell you how fit he is.” McDonald, however, was almost lost for words in the immediate aftermath. “He’s so special, he’s so special,” he said. “He’s just a freak. I don’t know what to say … I just love him. I love him.” Romantic Warrior is very much a star of the modern age, his exploits documented in vivid high definition across every form of media. In some ways, though, he is a throwback to the boldly campaigned heroes of yesteryear. While both inflation and the lucrative purses on offer around the globe make it likely that his position as the highest-earning racehorse of all time will be eclipsed at some point, his feat in the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup will stand the test of time. Romantic Warrior was already the only horse to have won this race three times since it was first staged in 1988, even before adding a fourth. He is likely to now be geared towards another face-off with Forever Young, who he had pushed all the way to the line in that famous G1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) showdown earlier this year. Shum, however, will wait for the go-ahead from the gelding’s owner, Peter Lau, before committing to plans. “I always say, we know he’s turning eight really soon, but he doesn’t know he’s turning eight,” he said. “This is amazing. He’s been in Australia, Japan, Dubai, second in the biggest prize money in the world in Saudi (Arabia). Also second in the Dubai Turf. He’s come back and had two wins. “The plan is always made by the owner, Peter. He has wisdom, we all trust him. If he says, ‘Danny, go to Saudi Arabia’, I’ll go to Saudi Arabia. If he says, ‘Danny stay in Hong Kong’, I’ll stay in Hong Kong. We’re a good team, I trust Peter a lot.” By Tom Peacock

By Scott Bailey A cool 17 degrees greeted Sha Tin as the Hong Kong International Race Day began to take shape, the kind of crisp December air that sharpens both form lines and anticipation. Long before the first runners were saddled, the crowd was already rolling through the gates, drawn not just by four world-class Group 1s, but by the sense that this was a global sporting occasion in full voice. The parade ring became the early focal point as K-Pop superstar Rain took to the stage, performing in front of a packed parade ring that blended racing diehards with fans who had come to see one of Asia’s biggest music icons. It was a uniquely Hong Kong moment — elite international racing intersecting seamlessly with pop culture — and it set the tone for a day designed to showcase the sport on a world stage. As Rain’s performance echoed around the course, the scale of the HKIR was impossible to ignore. Owners, trainers and jockeys from every major racing jurisdiction mingled with local fans, cameras flashing as silks from Japan, Europe, Australia and beyond began to appear. It was the calm before the storm, a brief window where the atmosphere felt celebratory rather than competitive, even with millions in prize money and global bragging rights at stake. Attention now turns firmly to the track, where four Group 1 contests promise drama, depth and genuine international intrigue. The Hong Kong Vase, Sprint, Mile and Cup each bring together champions and challengers, proven local stars and overseas raiders looking to conquer one of the toughest racing circuits in the world. Every race feels like its own feature event, yet together they form a showcase unmatched anywhere else on the calendar. With the temperature cool, the turf prepared, ready for action and the stands filling by the minute, Sha Tin feels primed for a classic HKIR day. From a parade ring alive with music and colour to a racecourse ready to host the best horses on the planet, Hong Kong has once again reminded the world why this meeting sits at the very top of international racing’s calendar.

THE GROUP 1 HONG KONG VASE 2400M A roar rolled across Sha Tin as the gates opened for the Hong Kong Vase, the first of four international Group 1s, and the crowd made it clear they were ready for the show. Months of build-up spilled into sound and colour as the field surged into stride, setting the tone for a day where atmosphere and elite racing went hand in hand. It was Sosie who quickly emerged as the key figure in the contest, settling beautifully in fifth position as the early pace unfolded ahead of him. Traveling with intent and always within striking distance, he stalked the leaders with patience before being eased into clear air approaching the home turn. When asked to go, Sosie responded instantly, eyeballing the front runners and digging deep when the pressure came on. The finish was a proper Vase battle. Last year’s winner Giavellotto loomed large and refused to surrender his crown without a fight, sticking on gamely and forcing Sosie to earn every stride of victory. In the end, Sosie’s determination told, pulling out just enough late to prevail, with Giavellotto a neck away in a gallant second. Goliath boxed on bravely for third under Christophe Soumillon, never shirking the task and keeping honest to the line, while Al Riffa rounded out the placings in fourth, finishing a length and a half behind after a solid effort at the elite level. The win carried extra significance, marking the second time the trainer and jockey combination have captured the Hong Kong Vase, following their triumph with Junko in 2023.

THE GROUP 1 HONG KONG SPRINT The betting told its own story as the runners left the parade ring for the Hong Kong Sprint. Ka Ying Rising opened at an extraordinary 1.00 flat, a price that summed up the dominance of a sprinting superstar chasing back-to-back wins in one of the world’s great speed tests. Punters knew what they were watching, and so did the packed Sha Tin grandstand. From barrier one, Ka Ying Rising did exactly what champions do. He jumped cleanly, asserted his authority immediately and dictated the speed from the front, travelling sweetly underneath Zac Purton. There was no urgency, no panic — just a horse completely in control of his own race, cruising through his gears with ears pricked and confidence oozing from every stride. As they straightened, Purton barely moved. He cuddled Ka Ying Rising, hands quiet, body still, never once needing to ask the question. The response, as always, was emphatic. Without getting out of third gear, Ka Ying Rising put the race to bed in a matter of strides, extending effortlessly and leaving elite sprinters chasing shadows behind him. The winning time of 1:07.70 didn’t threaten the track record, but conditions told the story. The turf appeared to be racing a touch slower than usual, making the performance even more impressive when viewed through that lens. There is something almost unsettling about how easily Ka Ying Rising does it. No strain, no visible exertion, just pure efficiency and power wrapped in composure. In a race that routinely crowns the fastest horses on the planet, he made world-class opposition look ordinary. This was equine excellence at its most frightening. Back-to-back Hong Kong Sprint victories, delivered with arrogance and ease, reinforcing the sense that Sha Tin is witnessing a sprinter operating on a different plane. When a horse can dominate at the highest level without being asked a serious question, you are no longer watching another sprinter… You are watching probably the best ever.

THE GROUP 1 HONG KONG MILE

The Hong Kong Mile delivered a finish worthy of its status, with Voyage Bubble stamping his class by going back-to-back in the feature, this time under the guidance of Zac Purton. It wasn’t straightforward, it wasn’t soft, but it was the mark of a genuine champion willing to fight when the moment demanded it.

As the field swung into the straight, the race looked set to swing Japan’s way. Soul Rush surged to the front with purpose, quickening clear and briefly giving the impression that the Mile was slipping away from the local star. For a few strides, Sha Tin held its breath as the Japanese contender threatened to steal the prize.

What followed was pure resolve. Voyage Bubble, now a seven-year-old and refusing to concede defeat, lifted again under Purton’s strong, determined ride. Asked for everything, he responded in kind, grinding his way back into the contest before forcing his nose in front close to the line. It was a tough, honest victory, the kind that defines a champion rather than flatters one.

Soul Rush was gallant in defeat, beaten but never broken, and he leaves Hong Kong with immense credit. His performance added another layer of quality to the Mile and provided a fitting final chapter before he heads back to Japan to begin his stud career, bowing out at the elite level with pride intact and no admirers lost.

Further back, the outsider Red Lion ran a bold race to finish third for Hugh Bowman and John Size, sticking on strongly and rewarding connections with a deserved placing in one of the deepest miles run anywhere in the world.

This was not a Mile decided by brilliance alone, but by toughness. Voyage Bubble’s ability to repel a world-class challenger, dig deep under pressure and still find a way to win reinforced his standing as one of Hong Kong’s modern greats. Back-to-back victories in this race do not come easily, and on a day packed with stars, Voyage Bubble proved once again that toughness still wins the biggest races.

THE GROUP 1 HONG KONG CUP

History was written at Sha Tin as Romantic Warrior etched his name deeper into racing folklore, becoming the first horse to claim four successive Hong Kong Cups. With James McDonald in the saddle, the champion once again rose to the occasion, delivering a performance that blended tactical brilliance with raw dominance on the sport’s biggest stage.

From the outset, McDonald rode with supreme confidence. Drawn to the inside, the Kiwi-born rider wasted no time easing Romantic Warrior off the rail, ensuring clear running and placing the champion exactly where he wanted him. Sliding smoothly into the one-out, one-back position, Romantic Warrior travelled with his trademark ease, stalking the pace and waiting patiently for the moment to strike.

That moment came at the 300-metre mark. McDonald asked Romantic Warrior to lengthen, and the response was instant. He surged to the front with authority, putting daylight between himself and a world-class field before powering clear to score by more than two lengths. It was a decisive, commanding victory, befitting a horse that has defined an era of Hong Kong racing.

Japan’s Bellagio Opera ran on strongly to claim second, while the Henri Graffard-trained Quisisana finished third under Christophe Soumillon, both beaten but holding their own in the presence of a true great.

As Romantic Warrior returned to scale, the atmosphere reached another level. The Sha Tin crowd, already electric, erupted as James McDonald stood tall in the irons, pumping his fists and urging the grandstand to rise with him. It was a moment of shared appreciation — rider and fans acknowledging a performance that will be replayed and remembered for generations.

Four Hong Kong Cups. Four years of dominance. And still, the questions continue. With history secured at home, does Romantic Warrior head back to the Middle East to chase global glory once more in Saudi Arabia’s world-richest race? Whatever the answer, one thing is certain: Romantic Warrior has already gone beyond legend status.

   

Video Stars Race 3 – 4 VOYAGE BOSS His last-start fourth carried plenty of merit. Urged early but unable to cross, he was forced to race wide on the speed, yet still battled on gamely in the straight to finish fourth. The form has since been franked by third placegetter CALIFORNIA BLITZ, who also raced on the speed and came out to win subsequently, which augurs well for his prospects heading into this week’s assignment. Race 7 – 10 MY WISH Following two Group victories this season, he was well supported in a Group 2 feature last start but could only finish fourth. However, the sectional data indicates the run was far superior to the bare result, as he stuck on tenaciously off a frantic tempo. With a more measured ride this week, he looks a genuine chance to land his first Group 1 victory in the Hong Kong Mile. Sectional Stars Race 4 – 10 BUNDLE AWARD In a slowly run race last start, he was at a clear disadvantage settling off the speed from a wide draw, yet still produced the fastest final 400m (21.40 seconds) to finish fifth over 2000m. The rise to 2400m—where he has won one of two attempts—looks ideal, and he shapes as a genuine value contender. Race 9 – 3 STAR RISE Badly held up from the 400m to the 100m last start, he unleashed a sharp burst along the rail once seeing daylight, finishing just 1.5 lengths from the winner in fourth over 1200m. Given his racing pattern, the step up in trip should suit, making him one to watch closely this time.

Longines Hong Kong Vase Overseas raiders have dominated the HK$26 million Group 1 Hong Kong Vase over the past decade, with EXULTANT in 2018 the only locally trained winner. Since then, European and Japanese contenders have each lifted the trophy three times. This year’s edition once again boasts strong international representation, headlined by several proven Group 1 performers. Champion trainer Aidan O’Brien adopts an unusually streamlined approach, relying on a single runner: multiple Group 1 winner LOS ANGELES. The talented son of Camelot has scored seven times from 15 starts, including three victories at the highest level. His recent form, however, is mixed, having missed the placings in four runs since winning the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at Curragh in May. Should he rediscover his peak, he remains a genuine contender. Adding further depth is AL RIFFA, trained by Aidan’s eldest son Joseph O’Brien. Winner of the Group 1 Irish St Leger two starts ago and a respectable seventh in the Melbourne Cup last time out, he arrives with top staying credentials. With regular jockey Dylan McMonagle aboard, he is expected to run boldly. Defending champion GIAVELLOTTO bids to become the first back-to-back Vase winner since 2008 for trainer Marco Botti. The six-year-old appears to be peaking at the right time, having finished a strong fourth in the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in his most recent outing. France’s champion trainer André Fabre also presents a major threat with SOSIE, who completed a Group 1 double at Longchamp earlier in the year and has placed in both runs this preparation, including a meritorious third in the Arc. Japan’s sole representative, URBAN CHIC, is no stranger to elite company. Winner of last year’s Group 1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger), he flashed home for fifth in the Group 1 Tenno Sho Autumn in early November and looks capable of producing another strong performance. Longines Hong Kong Sprint Despite an elite field of 13 top-class sprinters, all eyes will be on superstar KA YING RISING in the HK$28 million Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin this Sunday afternoon. The defending champion has only strengthened his claim as the world’s best sprinter since last year’s triumph, stamping his authority on the global stage with a stunning victory in the AU$20 million Group 1 Everest at Randwick in October—his first overseas assignment. Given Australia’s reputation for producing the deepest sprinting ranks in the world, that win meant far more than its staggering prize money. He then returned to Hong Kong and, true to script, effortlessly dispatched a Group 2 field in the Jockey Club Sprint on 23 November. If KA YING RISING turns up in his usual form on Sunday, the race could easily become a contest for the minor placings. Japanese raider SATONO REVE, third in this event last year, again profiles as a key place chance after finishing fourth in the Group 1 Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama last start. His fellow runner WIN CARNELIAN, who caused a major upset in that same race, looks capable of producing another forward showing given his positive racing style. Among the local brigade, HELIOS EXPRESS, LUCKY SWEYNESSE, and FAST NETWORK all boast strong place prospects. HELIOS EXPRESS has chased KA YING RISING home on several occasions and typically finishes powerfully off a solid pace. Former Hong Kong premier sprinter LUCKY SWEYNESSE is showing signs of rediscovering his peak form and commands respect, while FAST NETWORK—who outran his rating to finish second in the Group 2 Jockey Club Sprint—remains an intriguing contender with two-time reigning Longines World’s Best Jockey James McDonald sticking with the ride. Longines Hong Kong Mile In contrast to the dominance of overseas raiders in the Hong Kong Vase, the HK$36 million Hong Kong Mile has increasingly become a stage for home-based contenders, with only two Japanese winners in the past decade. Defending champion VOYAGE BUBBLE has gone from strength to strength since capturing this feature last year, becoming only the second horse to sweep Hong Kong’s Triple Crown for older horses. He arrives here off a solid second to ROMANTIC WARRIOR in the Group 2 Jockey Club Mile, after which connections opted for the Mile rather than the Hong Kong Cup—a decision that now looks well judged. Another leading local hope is GALAXY PATCH, who burst back to top form when storming home to win the Group 2 Jockey Club Mile. With champion jockey James McDonald retaining the ride, he appears primed to claim his first Group 1 victory. MY WISH also comes through the same formline, finishing fourth after earlier landing two Group races this season. He likely raced too close to a strong tempo last start, and with a more patient ride, he is capable of turning the tables. Japan mounts a strong challenge once again. SOUL RUSH, runner-up in this race last year, has missed the frame only once in five starts since and was outstanding when defeating ROMANTIC WARRIOR in the Group 1 Dubai Turf at Meydan in April. Rising star filly EMBROIDERY also commands attention. A two-time Group 1 winner with five victories from eight starts, she arrives off a powerful success in the Group 1 Shuka Sho at Kyoto. Ireland is represented by THE LION IN WINTER, a progressive three-year-old colt trained by Aidan O’Brien. Already placed four times at Group 1 level from six attempts, he continues to improve, and his eye-catching third in the Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile last start makes him a compelling dark horse in this year’s renewal. Longines Hong Kong Cup The HK$40 million Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) is the showpiece of HKIR, and this year Hong Kong superstar ROMANTIC WARRIOR bids for a history-making fourth consecutive victory. He headlines a seven-horse field featuring two Japanese raiders and two European contenders. ROMANTIC WARRIOR etched his name into history in 2024 when becoming the first horse to win three editions of the Longines Hong Kong Cup, Hong Kong’s richest race. He then embarked on a successful Middle East campaign, taking the Group 1 Jebel Hatta before finishing second in both the Group 1 Saudi Cup and Group 1 Dubai Turf. A fetlock surgery in May sidelined him for six months, but he returned in style three weeks ago in the Group 2 Jockey Club Cup, comfortably accounting for a strong field including VOYAGE BUBBLE. That authoritative win suggests he is right on target for a remarkable fourth Cup triumph this Sunday. Between the Japanese duo, BELLAGIO OPERA stands out as the leading hope. The two-time Group 1 winner has not raced since his courageous second in the Group 1 Takarazuka Kinen in June, which followed his dominant victory in the Group 1 Osaka Hai. His first-up record—four wins and three placings from nine attempts—further enhances his profile, and a bold fresh run looks likely. Fellow runner ROUSHAM PARK, although yet to win at the top level, has gone close and are capable of breaking through. Trained by Joseph O’Brien, GALEN was last seen making the running and finishing a brave second in the Group 2 Bahrain International Trophy first-up. With that run under his belt, additional improvement is expected, even against elite opposition. Talented French mare QUISISANA also warrants respect. A Group 1 winner of the Prix Jean Romanet in August, she subsequently finished ninth in the Arc before running third on British Champions Day. With top jockey Christophe Soumillon aboard, she poses a genuine threat.

Following successive wins in September, seven-year-old PLATINUM HARVEST (5) has maintained solid form is looks a winning chance in the 1600m Class 4B contest (Race 5) at Selangor Turf Club this Sunday. Caught the eye with a fast-finishing 3rd behind another back-to-back winner in Sir Ruby here two weeks back and draws the pole with Benny Woodworth aboard for the first time. SAKURA (2) has early pace and should settle on speed although his only victory came when leading throughout over 1200m back in July. Has placed up to 1400m and steps up to the mile for the first time. MENTAL (6) came from last to finish 4th over the 1200m first up and the step up to 1600m is a positive. The gelding’s second up record (4:2-0-0) also places him in good stead. ONG MARI (3) showed a return to form last start when runner up to Sir Ruby in that same race while four-year-old mare, LIGHTNING GAL (12) has dropped in the ratings and looks an outside chance with the 53.5kg. Race 5 Selections: (5) PLATINUM HARVEST   (6) SAKURA   (6) MENTAL   (3) ONG MARI ASTRO NASCENTE (7) has shown positive signs in two Malaysian runs so far and is verging on a win for the Nick Selvan stable. The former Australian is a chance to break through in the 1200m Class 4A (Race 6) after his latest run when finishing 3rd behind the locally unbeaten Irish Goodbye on November 22, beaten 4.5 lengths. AI ROCKET (6) is another Aussie import debuting for the HY Cheng yard and will be first up since a maiden win on a wet track back in May. The four-year-old travelled up nicely in a trial here Tuesday week ago and a forward showing is expected on his resumption to racing. DRAGON CLAW (4) returned to winning form over 1020m on Track Two prior to his 1.75L defeat when held up at a crucial stage last start. BOSS BABY (3) has performed admirably against Class 3 and Class 4 opposition since breaking his maiden tag at Ipoh on September 7. BANKER’S GLORY (1) received no luck when resuming here last Sunday after being trapped wide throughout but can easily bounce back on the seven-day back-up. Race 6 Selections: (7) ASTRO NASCENTE   (6) AI ROCKET   (4) DRAGON CLAW   (3) BOSS BABY BATTLE CRY (9) was heavily supported on his Malaysian debut when finishing 2nd on November 8 and can go one better in the 1200m Class 4A (Race 7). The four-year-old showed pace from barrier ten to lead and took a while to settle down and relax once he found his rhythm. The gelding used to race with a tongue tie in most of his Australian starts so he can tend to over race at times but the distance drop and better draw should enhance his chances. BANKER’S BABY (8) is another Aussie import and debutant for the Johnny Lim stable. The mare trialed very well behind stable mate Banker’s Glory earlier this month and is one to watch first up from a five-month break. PACIFIC HERO (5) and OUR SECRET WEAPON (12) are both fast beginners racing in good form and are worthy of playing in the trifecta. PLATINUM BOSS (6) finally delivered a win for connections recently providing Benny Woodworth his first victory since returning to race riding. Horse and jockey have been reacquainted for Sunday’s contest and may provide the value, Race 7 Selections: (9) BATTLE CRY   (8) BANKER’S BABY   (5) PACIFIC HERO   (12) OUR SECRET WEAPON Race Eight (1200m Class 4B) is an open contest so there will be plenty of value if you can find the winner. OTAHUHU (11) is normally a reliable beginner but missed the start slightly before over racing when finishing out of the placings over 1275m on Track Two. The gelding has not handled the inner track in two outings recently so the return to the A6 course should be an advantage. PACIFIC COMMANDER (1) has been racing well with big weights and looks suited dropping back to the “B” division of this grade. Both Malaysian wins have been recorded over this track and distance also. FIRE (5) is another galloper which could improve on the more spacious A6 course following two unplaced efforts on Track Two. The five-year-old will strip fitter third up this campaign. YOU THINK SO (7) is nearing another win following his head defeat over 1275m last start while VGOR (2) will benefit from the H Haikal apprentice claim. Race 8 Selections: (11) OTAHUHU   (1) PACIFIC COMMANDER   (5) FIRE   (7) YOU THINK SO      

Racing returns to Hollywoodbets Scottsville after an extended break for spring treatment. A planned comeback two weeks ago was abandoned due to rain, shifting racing to the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly. With the track now in top condition, trainers are keen to strike—but punters face big, competitive fields.

The card opens with KZN’s first juvenile race, featuring mostly first-timers. Mike Miller sends out seven of the 12 runners, with stable rider Tristan Godden’s pick Master Magician likely the one to watch.

The bi-pot begins with a full field of 16, again with several newcomers. Among those with experience, Place Of Practice and Winter In London both improved smartly at their second starts and can step forward again.

In the opening leg of the PA, Mr Mcdonald caught the eye finishing strongly on debut and should improve. Past And Present debuts locally with blinkers back on and a good draw, while Director can be forgiven his last run in the soft. Dubai Dude, well beaten first time out, still has form that has held up and now gains the services of experienced French rider Mickaelle Michel, who takes a valuable 1.5kg claim.

The first leg of the Pick 6 is tough, with Annie’s Song continuing to improve despite a wide draw. Thought Control made a promising debut and should progress, while Heavenly Mafia brings consistent Cape and PE form with blinkers retained.

Cleartherunway is Mark Dixon’s runner in the fifth and impressed when winning his maiden at just his second start. But Eric’s Legacy—second to him that day—won by eight lengths next time and now meets him better off at the weights with a kinder draw. Red Mountain also comes into the race with improving form and an apprentice claim.

Mickaelle Michel looks poised to ride her first South African winner aboard Magma Magic, who has been showing signs of a return to form and should enjoy the trip. Bank Street is consistent and switches back to turf, while Kimball O’Hara drops in ratings and class. Definitely Yes and In The Bag also have claims on recent consistency.

The seventh is another open handicap. Gimmeforsure has been consistent since her debut and tries a likely better trip on local debut with just 51.5kg. Sascha’s Dream brings strong recent form and stays well, while Grand Occasion and Miss Twinkle add further depth.

In the eighth, Fortress Of Fire—disappointing in features last season—caught the eye on seasonal debut and may be turning the corner. Maphaka continues to drop in the ratings and is knocking hard, Dapper is overdue, and Beamonesque, who finished just ahead of Fortress Of Fire last run, remains competitive.

The finale is another competitive handicap. Arverni Princess is in strong form and proven over course and distance with this apprentice. Whereverilaymyhat meets her slightly better at the weights, Ndaka returns to his preferred trip with blinkers, and Yannakis drops in class with a 4kg claim.

South Africa’s Champion Two-Year-Old Male, Jan Van Goyen, makes his Cape Town debut in Saturday’s G1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas. After an excellent prep run in the G2 Dingaans—where he and the winner pulled five lengths clear—he now looks primed to claim another major title for the De Kock stable. Travel is the only question, but Mike de Kock is a master at getting horses to peak on the big stage. Callan Murray rides.

Randolph Hearst has been luckless this summer but continues to finish strongly and should be a major threat if the pace is on. Happy Verse endured a nightmare run in the Cape Punters Cup and is capable of better, while Gimmie Rules enters with hype and pedigree but must prove he’s Grade 1 material. Good For You, a G1-winning two-year-old, is dangerous if he keeps straight.

The undercard is equally exciting. The G2 Green Point Stakes brings a star-studded field featuring the versatile Gladatorian, improving Sail The Seas, and Johannesburg raider Fire Attack, who returned with a strong run behind top sprinter Buffalo Storm Cody. Add Grade 1 performers Cosmic Speed, Snow Pilot, See It Again, The Real Prince, and Dave The King, and it’s one of the deepest editions in years.

Rainbow Lorikeet aims to defend her title in the G3 Victress Stakes, while the G2 Cape Merchants is wide-open, with Raven Black primed to turn the tables on Mai Sensation. The G3 Peninsula Handicap features emerging talent Landoftherisingsun and the progressive Regulation.

Earlier on the card, Champagne Castle looks set to score in Race 1, Rockanrollin stands out in Race 2, and Race 3 shapes as a fight between Spirit, Churchillian and Nightrain. The long-striding Mente Et Manu has strong claims in Race 9.

By Scott Bailey There is a certain electricity that follows a horse who has done something others couldn’t. And as Soul Rush steps out for the Hong Kong Mile on Sunday, he carries a distinction that no other runner on the entire HKIR programme can claim — he is the only horse on the planet to halt Romantic Warrior during the Hong Kong superstar’s extraordinary 2025 campaign. It happened under the lights of Meydan in March, when the Japanese miler surged late and snatched the Dubai Turf by a nose, a result that still feels like a plot twist in a season otherwise written by Romantic Warrior’s dominance. But to define Soul Rush purely by that moment would undersell the journey that shaped him. A late bloomer by Japanese standards, he was never groomed as a precocious star. His debut as a two-year-old at Chukyo in 2020 hinted at ability when he swept past rivals to win by two lengths, but the years that followed were anything but straightforward. Class drops, inconsistent performances and a four-month reset punctuated his early career. Only late in his three-year-old season did he rediscover momentum, stringing together back-to-back mile wins that finally made him look like the horse his team always believed he was. By 2022, Soul Rush was no longer a project. He was a threat! His four-length Shunkyo Stakes demolition announced him as a rising force, and weeks later he produced one of the most impressive late bursts seen in the Hanshin Milers Cup, storming home from last and handing jockey Suguru Hamanaka his 1,100th career win. He wasn’t simply talented; he was explosive, unpredictable, and capable of turning defeat into victory in the space of 150 metres. What he did not yet have was consistency at the highest level. The Yasuda Kinen exposed him, the chaos of a Group 1 mile proving too sharp, too unforgiving, as he finished 13th. But Soul Rush kept evolving. A Fuji Stakes second and a brave fourth in the Mile Championship hinted that he was edging closer to belonging with the best. That toughness crystallised at five. A third in the Milers Cup, a frustrating Yasuda Kinen, and then a bruising Keisei Hai Autumn Handicap where he carried 59 kilograms and still out-slugged Win Greatest at the wire. With João Moreira aboard, he nearly stole the Mile Championship, only to be collared late. Even in defeat, Soul Rush was sending a message: he had learned how to fight. Then came 2024 — the season that changed everything. Another booming Milers Cup win, a Yasuda Kinen placing behind Romantic Warrior that stamped him as world-class, and a Mile Championship triumph that showcased the full violence of his late acceleration. Jockey Taisei Danno was fined for celebrating too early, but it hardly mattered. Soul Rush had finally landed the Group 1 that had eluded him. A runner-up finish in the Hong Kong Mile behind Voyage Bubble only strengthened the belief that Japan had unearthed another top-tier international miler. And still, his defining moment was yet to come. Dubai, March 2025. Romantic Warrior, the world’s top-ranked middle-distance horse, arrived as the immovable object. But Soul Rush became the exception. Cristian Demuro executed the perfect ride — patient, economical, ice-cold, and Soul Rush unleashed a surge that stunned Meydan. He didn’t just beat Romantic Warrior; he out-fought him, nose to nose, at the very peak of the Hong Kong champion’s powers. It was the first overseas Group 1 win for trainer Yasutoshi Ikee and the moment Soul Rush stepped out of the shadows and into global prominence. Injuries halted him soon after forcing him to the sidelines following his Yasuda Kinen third. But now he returns to Sha Tin, not for the Cup — but for the Mile, the race he has chased, cracked, and come agonisingly close to owning. While Romantic Warrior will command the spotlight as the short-priced Hong Kong Cup favourite, his presence looms over the Mile in a different way. Because every runner in that field arrives knowing one truth: only one horse at this entire meeting has ever looked Romantic Warrior in the eye and refused to yield. Soul Rush is that horse. And on his day with a clean run, a patient ride, and the long Sha Tin straight inviting him to unwind, the Japanese entire isn’t just a danger. He’s a proven giant-killer. Romantic Warrior may dominate the Cup betting, but punters would be brave to overlook the one horse who conquered him. Respect Soul Rush. Then give him a little more.

It is still Polytrack racing this Friday at Fairview and it does look a difficult card but there are three runners that might be worth looking at. The first of them is Amanatto in Race 2, a Maiden Plate over 1400m. This well-bred filly has been a disappointment in that she has yet to win a race after 13 starts. She has been consistent since blinkers were applied and it may be worth noting that current rider Richard Fourie has only had three rides aboard her. As usual with an Alan Greeff-trained runner, Fourie has got the best out of her, a fifth place in his first ride followed by two third-placed runs in her next two starts under him. The Danon Platina filly is well drawn and should get the run of the race. Stable companion Bournemouth takes on eight other runners in Race 3, a Pinnacle Stakes over 2200m, and he should run another decent race. This Canford Cliffs gelding has been off form of late and has been kept on the turf all year. A return to the Polytrack should see him in a better light as he has done well on this surface. He has two wins, a second and two third-placed finishes on this surface. His record over this actual course and distance is a win and a third-place finish. He does have in-form Algoa Cup winner Zatara Magic to beat but he has defeated that rival on at least three occasions so do not be surprised to see Bournemouth right there at the finish again. Four-year-old filly Blowin In The Wind could run well in Race 8, a MR 68 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1000m. As usual at this track, the last race is usually very competitive, but this Querari filly makes her local debut and was not beaten far in her recent KwaZulu-Natal races. The drop to 1000m should bring out the best in her as will jockey Wayne Agrella. Clive Robinson

The International Jockeys’ Championship has always been a night where the sport’s elite strip the game back to its purest form: four races, identical opportunities and no hiding. Twelve world-class riders flying in from every corner of the globe, all chasing the richest jockey challenge purse on the planet. And as expected, Happy Valley didn’t just host a competition — it lit the fuse on a genuinely world-class showdown. The format remains simple. Points decide everything: 12 for a win, six for second, four for third. No Group 1 reputations, no home-track advantage. Just raw skill, split-second judgement and the ability to change a race in a heartbeat. And right from the opening leg, the big names came out swinging. Godolphins number one man William Buick struck first, producing a crisp, professional ride on Bunta Baby to claim Race 4 and bank the first maximum haul of the night. Zac Purton, whose IJC record needs no embellishment, kept himself in the contest immediately with a polished second on Beauty Thunder, while James McDonald — the newly crowned world No.1 landed third aboard Healthy Healthy to ensure the powerhouses were already crowding the scoreboard. If Race 4 belonged to Buick, Race 5 was Ryan Moore’s reminder that he didn’t fly halfway across the world off a three-month layoff due to a broken leg to play a support act. In a finish that could have been clipped straight into a Hong Kong highlights reel, Moore lifted Coreleone late to secure his first win of the night. Rachel King added valuable points with a smart second aboard Ace War, and Vincent Ho — the heartbeat of Hong Kong racing — chimed in for third with Fortunate Son, putting himself within striking distance in the standings. The third leg, Race 7, delivered another twist as Hugh Bowman a man whose poise is tailor-made for Happy Valley’s chessboard produced a vintage ride on Silvery Breeze. Purton once again forced himself into the frame, this time with a grinding second aboard Flying Fortress, while Vincent Ho continued his consistency, placing third on Max Que. At that stage, Purton’s trademark persistence was keeping him alive, but Moore was lurking ominously heading into the last leg. Race 8 confirmed what the earlier races hinted at: Ryan Moore was here to win the whole thing and it was aboard Triumphant More at 20-1. Triumphant, decisive, and worth another 12-point strike that gave him the outright lead. Umberto Rispoli, back on one of the world’s biggest stages, produced a stylish second on Tourbillon Golfer, while the king of Japan Christophe Lemaire added Hong Kong points once again with a smooth third on Mighty Commander. When the dust settled, Moore’s double-strike gave him the overall edge, capping a night where the world’s best once again justified their billing. Purton’s two runner-up finishes kept Hong Kong’s champion in the conversation. Buick and Bowman delivered signature moments. Ho reminded everyone why he is the city’s standard-bearer. And McDonald, King, Rispoli and Lemaire all played their part in a championship that continues to elevate the global talents under the Valley lights.   LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS CHEMPIONSHIP FINAL STANDINGS

1. RYAN MOORE (24)

=2 HUGH BOWMAN (12) =2 WILLIAM BUICK (12) =2 ZAC PURTON (12)

5. VINCENT HO (8)

=6 UMBERTO RISPOLI (6) =8 CHRISTOPHE LEMAIRE (4) =8 JAMES MCDONALD (4) =10 MIKAEL BARZALONA (0) =10 HOLLIE DOYLE (0) =10 JOAO MOREIRA (0)

The 10-race meeting at the Vaal on Thursday 11 December has the look and feel of a programme that could be shaped by one rider and one yard. Gavin Lerena arrives with seven well-placed mounts and every chance of turning the afternoon into a personal bounty, while Lucky Houdalakis sends out a pair of progressive three-year-olds who appear destined for bigger things in the months ahead. Lerena can strike the first blow in Race 1 aboard the improving Korcula, a Hawwaam filly from the Johan Janse van Vuuren yard who continues to take positive steps. She bumped into one too good over 1700m last time but shaped like a winner in waiting, travelling sweetly, quickening, and only giving in late. Dropped to 1600m, with Lerena retaining the ride, she won’t need to find much to shed her maiden tag at the fifth attempt. The market will likely react accordingly, and justifiably so. Houdalakis introduces one of the better bets on the card in Race 2 with Agoge, a Gimmethegreenlight gelding who made a striking debut when rattling home for second over 1400m. That closing effort screamed “mile” and the additional experience should tighten him up. With natural improvement expected and the stable bullish about his trajectory, Agoge looks set to take care of business. Lerena’s next major strike should come in Race 5 with sprinting machine Buffalo Storm Cody, one of the Tony Peter yard’s flagship talents. Since being gelded, the son of Buffalo Bill Cody has transformed into a relentless winning force, capturing six of his last seven runs and thriving on the challenge every time the bar is raised. His latest 1160m Turffontein Standside win, also under Lerena, came with authority, and although he has picked up a three-point penalty, he is still well enough in to keep the winning streak going. At this stage of his career, backing against him feels counterintuitive. That same Peter-Lerena partnership could cash in again in Race 8 with Doitwithdiamonds, a Silvano mare whose consistency begs for a return to winning ways. She ran a gallant second over 1800m at the same venue just a week ago – a run that places her firmly among the leading contenders – and a repeat should see her right back in the winner’s box, provided this quick turnaround doesn’t blunt her edge. Her form is unmistakably solid, and she fits beautifully into the day’s Lerena narrative. Houdalakis unleashes another of his promising three-year-old prospects in Race 9 with Ringa Ringa Roses, a filly clearly on an upward trajectory. The fitting of cheekpieces and a compression hood has transformed her, igniting back-to-back wins over 1450m on the Turffontein Inside track, including a convincing handicap debut success a fortnight back where she dismissed familiar rivals Opera Fan and Grace’s Kiss. She does face tricky weight turnarounds now but the stable is confident she’ll raise her game further over 1600m. In a race filled with known quantities, she offers notably better value than most. With Lerena primed for multiple visits to the winners’ enclosure and Houdalakis rolling out two three-year-olds with long-term potential, Thursday’s Vaal Classic meeting sets up as a card where the script looks unusually well signposted. Punters who read it correctly may find themselves rewarded handsomely. Clive Robinson

Champion jockey James McDonald has described Romantic Warrior as oozing confidence as the gelding aims to win an unprecedented fourth HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (14 December). McDonald said he couldn’t have been happier with the gelding’s gallop today (Tuesday, 9 December) when he was accompanied by stablemate Romantic Thor over 1200m on Sha Tin’s turf track and clocked 1m 16.9s, with a final 400m split of 22.3s. “He is prepping up lovely,” McDonald said. “He worked with Romantic Thor, stablemate, nice and easy and breezed home well. “He is oozing confidence, that’s for sure. He is stretching well and I can’t say he is getting any better, but he definitely hasn’t declined.” McDonald said Romantic Warrior had maintained a very high standard and his work suggested he was a very happy horse. “But he has always been a happy horse in his work, he loves it and he is bubbling with confidence, that’s for sure,” McDonald said. After being sidelined for 232 days following surgery to his left-fore fetlock, the seven-year-old gelding returned in superb fashion last month when winning the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin. Romantic Warrior became the first triple winner of the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup last year after victories in the jurisdiction’s richest race in 2022 and 2023. McDonald will also be reunited with Galaxy Patch in the HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) after their last start victory in the G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin last month. “He was superb that day and obviously got a lot of luck on that particular occasion but he did the job well,” McDonald said. “I feel he got a lot of confidence out of that race and has had mid-race prep in between, and that trial was superb, I thought. “So, he is obviously full of confidence and he is going to need to be because it’s a very tough field but he is going the right way.” McDonald is confident that Galaxy Patch is a Group 1 quality horse, but admits the gelding’s racing style has hindered his chances of winning at the top level so far. “He needs a lot of luck in a race, a big field might suit him with a bit of tempo on and he does get back and who knows,” he said. “He has definitely got the ability to overcome certain obstacles during a race. He is going to have to be on his A-game, and I feel he is judging by his trial the other day. He is feeling really, really good and I’m happy to be on him.” McDonald admitted it was going to be a tough race to win with opposition like Voyage Bubble, a horse he rode to four Group 1 victories, including last year’s LONGINES Hong Kong Mile. Voyage Bubble finished second to Romantic Warrior when they clashed in their last start in November. “There is Soul Rush who we all know so well and others, too,” McDonald said. “My Wish is the new kid on the block. It’s such a competitive race and probably out of the four (Group 1) races, it’s probably the most competitive race.” By Daryl Timms