Big-name raiders could hunt QE II Cup riches in Romantic Warrior's absence
With Romantic Warrior, who has won the past three QE II Cups, likely to head for a spell after the Group One Dubai Turf (1,800m) on April 5, and Voyage Bubble expected to target the Champions Mile, the lion's share of the HK$28 million QE II Cup purse looks destined to head abroad in 2025.
Liberty Island and Tastiera, who filled the placings behind Romantic Warrior in December's Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m), are among 13 Japanese entries for the race, while gallopers from the likes of France, Ireland, Great Britain, New Zealand and Australia were also among the nominations released by the Jockey Club on Wednesday afternoon.
The 31 overseas entries for the QE II Cup are the most of the three FWD Champions Day features on April 27, with the Chairman's Sprint Prize (1,200m) attracting interest from 15 raiders and 17 overseas gallopers in the mix for the Champions Mile.
Japan's Lugal, the Ciaron Maher-trained Jimmysstar and Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald's Lady Laguna are among those who may set their sights on local hero Ka Ying Rising in the Chairman's Sprint Prize, while Lucky Sweynesse, California Spangle, Helios Express and Howdeepisyourlove are also among the local nominations.
A showdown between Group One superstars Voyage Bubble and Australia's Mr Brightside looms in the Champions Mile, while William Haggas' Golden Eagle (1,500m) winner, Lake Forest, Japan's Soul Rush and reigning champion Beauty Eternal have also been entered.
'We are delighted with the spread of entries and quality of interest in this year's FWD Champions Day features – including 56 entries from our overseas friends and 39 from Hong Kong, laying the foundation for another wonderful staging of our spring flagship meeting,' said Jockey Club executive director of racing Andrew Harding.
Beautiful! 💕
But not for Golden Sixty who can only manage fourth behind BEAUTY ETERNAL in the G1 Champions Mile.#FWDChampionsDay #HKracingpic.twitter.com/PRkVGqutGr — World Horse Racing (@WHR) April 28, 2024
'The excitement that the world's best sprinter Ka Ying Rising brings each time he races is electric and we cannot wait to see him tested once more against international opposition in the Chairman's Sprint Prize.
'Exceptional miler Voyage Bubble has gone from strength to strength across the last six months and he will face another exciting challenge next month.
'Our global champion, Romantic Warrior, has given us some incredible memories this year in Dubai and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, so while we are disappointed not to see him go for a fourth win in the FWD QE II Cup, we are immensely proud of his efforts, and his absence opens the door for what shapes as a remarkably competitive FWD QE II Cup.'
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