Hugh Bowman fancies inside draw for Sunlight Power in Kowloon Tong Club Trophy
Hugh Bowman is confident Ricky Yiu Poon-fai's quality galloper Sunlight Power will relish another inside draw when he chases a third win this season in Saturday's Class Two Kowloon Tong Club Trophy (1,600m) at Sha Tin.
The Australian jockey hops aboard Sunlight Power for the second time after his fast-finishing third to Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) hope Johannes Brahms last start.
Two starts ago, the Capitalist gelding capitalised on a soft run from barrier one to cruise to victory in another Class Two mile under Zac Purton.
With Yiu's Group Three winner Nimble Nimbus dropping in class to head the weights on Saturday, Sunlight Power also has the advantage of dropping four pounds on his last run to carry 126.
Sunlight Power dominates the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Hong Kong, China Team Celebration Cup under @zpurton at Sha Tin! 🏆 #LoveRacing | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/08TFdoFhVO — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) January 26, 2025
'He does have a little bit of a tendency to lay in slightly under pressure, but he's a very genuine horse and his form is very consistent,' Bowman said of the five-time winner.
'With a perfect draw this weekend, we should get a lovely run and [he can] make his presence felt.'
Sunlight Power boasts the strongest recent form in an even Class Two field that also features The Golden Scenery, Ramadan, Karma, Voyage Samurai, Woodfire Bro, Tourbillon Prince and Yiu's stayer Awesome Fluke.
He is one of several strong chances for Bowman on Saturday's card, with Sky Trust another key hope for the 44-year-old in the Class Three Cosmos Handicap (1,400m).
The Caspar Fownes-trained Sky Trust drops back in trip after running 12th behind Rubylot in the Classic Cup (1,800m).
'I thought his run, although well-beaten, was actually unbelievable last start,' Bowman said.
'He jumped well and didn't settle, so I let him gallop down the back straight but, even though three-wide, he got into a really sweet rhythm on the bend and it was no surprise to see him pick up into the straight. I was surprised at how long he sustained his gallop, having behaved the way he did in the early and middle stages.
'So, back in trip is a huge advantage to him and the horse is in great form. He's a big horse so he'll certainly be able to carry [135 pounds].'
A two-time winner and four-time runner-up this season, Sky Trust will clash with exciting three-year-old Sky Jewellery, who has won two of his three starts with Bowman on board.
'I did have the choice and Sky Jewellery is a just a little bit light for me with 123 pounds – [a] very exciting young horse,' Bowman said.
'I think Sky Jewellery still has a bit of developing to do. Last start, he got a bit lost when he turned into the home straight and he dropped the bridle, but his class shone the last 100m. Up in class, he'll have to improve but he's certainly got the improvement in him.'
Brenton Avdulla will ride Sky Jewellery for the first time.
Sky Jewellery was a HUGE winner last start! 🚀
He returns this Saturday at Sha Tin... 👀 #HKracing pic.twitter.com/urGsstdnIH — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 13, 2025
Earlier on the card, Bowman will have top claims on John Size's brilliant debut winner Crossborderpegasus in the Class Four Azalea Handicap (1,200m).
The Rich Enuff three-year-old backed up his strong trial form to score at the course and distance when eased down late by Bowman last month.
Volcanic Spark also has a solid chance for Bowman and Yiu in the Class Four Association Of Hong Kong Racing Journalists Challenge Cup (1,800m) after a close second to Billionaire Secret last start.
Fairy Horse, Strongest Boy, Thunder Prince, Monarch County and Helene Warrior are Bowman's other rides.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTHK
9 hours ago
- RTHK
Postecoglou sacked by Spurs despite Europa League win
Postecoglou sacked by Spurs despite Europa League win Ending Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought was not enough to save Ange Postecoglou. File photo: AFP Ange Postecoglou was sacked as Tottenham manager on Friday, just 16 days after the Australian ended the club's 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League. Postecoglou led Tottenham to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao to clinch the north Londoners' first European prize in 41 years and secure a place in next season's Champions League. But the Australian paid the price for Tottenham's worst domestic season since they were relegated from the top flight in 1976-77. "Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties," a statement on Tottenham's official X account said. Exactly two years after he was hired from Celtic, Postecoglou's eventful spell in north London was brought to an end by chairman Daniel Levy. Tottenham lost 22 of their 38 Premier League games to finish 17th in the table, above only relegated trio Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton. "The Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place," the statement said. "Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph." (AFP)
HKFP
15 hours ago
- HKFP
Hong Kong hails ‘overwhelming support' for legalising basketball betting, proposes 50% levy on profits
The Hong Kong government has hailed 'overwhelming support' from scholars, athletes, and youth groups for its plan to legalise basketball betting in the city, following the conclusion of a one-month public consultation last month. Ninety-four per cent of the 1,063 submissions received by the government between April and May 'expressed support or positive views' on the proposal to regulate basketball betting under the Betting Duty Ordinance, according to a paper submitted by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau to the Legislative Council on Thursday. Those who supported the legal amendment said public demand for basketball betting has 'increased significantly,' and a regulatory regime can protect bettors' rights and interests. The government proposed in April to amend the ordinance to grant the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs the power to issue a basketball betting license to the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). The regulatory regime will mirror the existing one for football betting, the government said. In the paper released on Thursday, the government proposed imposing a 50 per cent levy on the net profits from basketball betting. Citing responses from supporters of the legislative proposal, the government said the HKJC may donate its additional revenue to welfare and charitable purposes. The tax revenue generated may also help the government allocate more resources on social welfare, supporters said, according to the government. Financial Secretary Paul Chan first unveiled the government's intention to regulate basketball betting during his 2025 budget speech in February. He said the legalisation could tackle illegal gambling and raise tax revenue amid the city's estimated deficit of HK$87.2 billion. The finance chief projected that regulating basketball betting could generate HK$1.5 billion to HK$2 billion in tax revenue. The government acknowledged on Thursday that 36 submissions – or 3.4 per cent of the responses collected – opposed the proposal. Those who objected raised concerns about the adverse impact of basketball betting on the youth, adding illegal gambling still existed after football betting was legalised. Responding to the concerns, the government said in the paper that the impact of betting activities on young people has been 'steady' in recent years. The proportion of bettors aged between 18 and 21 also 'consistently remained below two per cent,' the government said quoting the HKJC. Some suggested the government to prohibit individuals aged between 18 and 25 from placing bets online, while others proposed imposing restrictions on the amount and number of bets that can be placed by young people. The paper submitted on Thursday is set to be discussed by lawmakers on the Legislative Council's Panel on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports on Monday. 'Disastrous move' In February, the Hong Kong Committee on Children's Rights criticised the government's plan to regulate basketball betting, saying that giving a green light to basketball betting was a 'disastrous move.' The group said popularising sports betting could 'lure' young people to bet with their limited financial resources that should otherwise go to other needs. Gambling loss may also result in psychological pressure and guilt, which may deter individuals from seeking help, it said, warning that gamblers could enter a 'vicious cycle' where they turn to lending agencies or engage in criminal activities.
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- South China Morning Post
Voyage Bubble attracts Ascot invite but connections stick to local plans
Voyage Bubble's historic Triple Crown triumph prompted Ascot officials to invite the Hong Kong superstar to run in July's Group One King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2,406m), but connections have knocked back the offer. Voyage Bubble gained international attention for his stunning Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) victory last month, which saw him become the first horse in 31 years and second all time to claim Hong Kong's Triple Crown. The Deep Field gelding demolished his rivals by three and a half lengths to cap an outstanding campaign that also featured Group One successes in the Hong Kong Mile, Stewards' Cup (1,600m) and Gold Cup (2,000m). While Ricky Yiu Poon-fai was honoured to receive the invite for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the veteran trainer said he wouldn't be swayed from his plan to race Voyage Bubble in Hong Kong and not return overseas. UNBELIEVABLE! 🤯 31 years since River Verdon won the #TripleCrown for the first time, Hong Kong has a second winner of the series in Voyage Bubble, who makes light work of his Champions & Chater Cup rivals... 🏆🏆🏆@WorldPool | @mcacajamez | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) May 25, 2025 'He's not going,' Yiu said. 'I don't think [he will race overseas again]. He's not young any more. 'He pulled up brilliant from his last run. He just went up to Conghua [on Wednesday] and he'll have four weeks of easy time there.' Voyage Bubble's two international raids went awry last year. He copped interference from a fallen horse at a crucial stage when an unlucky 10th in the Group One Dubai Turf (1,800m) at Meydan before failing to handle racing in the anticlockwise direction when 17th behind Romantic Warrior in the Group One Yasuda Kinen (1,600m) at Tokyo racecourse. A leading contender for Hong Kong Horse of the Year honours along with Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior, Voyage Bubble is likely to be set for 2,000m features such as the Group One Hong Kong Cup and Group One QE II Cup next season. HK Racing News Get updates direct to your inbox Sign up Best Bets Racing News By registering you agree to our T&Cs & Privacy Policy Error: Please enter a valid email. The email address is already in use. Please login to subscribe. Error, please try again later. THANK YOU You are one the list. While Romantic Warrior's future remains clouded after he underwent fetlock surgery last week, December's Hong Kong Cup could feature a blockbuster clash between Voyage Bubble and star Australian mare Via Sistina. Brilliant mare! Via Sistina equals Winx's record of seven Group 1 wins in a season with victory over Dubai Honour in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes! — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 12, 2025 A Hong Kong trip last December was mooted for Via Sistina before eventually being ruled out, but connections have already put it on the agenda for the end of this year. 'That is definitely a possibility,' Yulong Investments chief operating officer Sam Fairgray told Australian radio station RSN. 'Mr Zhang [Yuesheng] would love to be able to take her there and take on the internationals. That's definitely high on the cards for her.' Via Sistina racked up seven Group One victories for trainer Chris Waller this season, with her record-breaking eight-length blitz in the Cox Plate (2,040m) at Moonee Valley the highlight. Meanwhile, Yiu will be represented by a squad of seven runners at Sha Tin on Sunday as he bids to consolidate third place in the trainers' championship. Ricky Yiu heads to Sha Tin on Sunday with a seven-strong team. Ahren shapes as the 67-year-old's best chance after recording a dominant win at start three and an agonisingly close second to Call Me Glorious last start. However, Ahren clashes with another promising three-year-old, Jimmy Ting Koon-ho's unbeaten Little Paradise, in the Class Three Tin Wan Handicap (1,200m). 'His biggest contender is Jimmy Ting's horse. They are the top two,' Yiu said. Miracle Fighter, The Concentration, Etalon Or, Drala, Dragon Joy and Jolly Ruler are the other weekend runners for Yiu, who has prepared 48 winners this term.
