Ricky Yiu is hopeful Voyage Bubble can become Hong Kong's newest Group 1 champion with victory in the HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards' Cup (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (January 21) and enhance prospects of potential overseas assignments.
The winner of 2023 Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), Voyage Bubble was a last-start second to Golden Sixty in the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) to confirm undisputed class, but Yiu believes the Deep Field five-year-old still has scope for further improvement.
“Let's see how much this horse can give. The impression I have is there is another level,” Yiu said of Voyage Bubble, who reunites with James McDonald and starts from barrier three in a field of eight.
“I would say (I am) optimistic. He will definitely perform again.”
Rated 113, Voyage Bubble has emerged as an elite miler, building a formidable reputation in the process by posting five wins and six minor placings from 14 starts for prizemoney of HK$33.7 million.
Referencing suggestions Voyage Bubble had initially been under-rated, Yiu said: “Yes, but that was from last season. This season is another story – there is no doubt about it (the horse's class).
“We'll see how he goes on Sunday and then we can definitely think about possible races for him to run overseas. Dubai and one of the races in Australia, maybe – there are a few options there.”
Voyage Bubble (126lb) will face California Spangle (126lb), Straight Arron (126lb), Russian Emperor (126lb), Beauty Eternal (126lb), Beauty Joy (126lb), Healthy Happy (126lb) and Fantastic Treasure (126lb).
Douglas Whyte views Sunday's contest as a launching pad for Russian Emperor as the champion stayer begins a preparation which will potentially include a defence of the Group 1 H.H. The Amir Trophy (2400m) in Doha on February 17.
To be ridden by Andrea Atzeni, Russian Emperor has not raced since finishing eighth behind Straight Arron in the Group 2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on November 19.
“He's come a long way and done everything I've asked of him. I sat on him for a turf gallop this week and he feels amazing,” Whyte said. “I think the break has done him the world of good but beside that, he's aggressive and he wants to attack the races – he's missed it and he's feeling good.
“I think it's a forgone conclusion that 1600 metres is way short of his true distance but he's got to have a starting point and get some miles in and some racing rustiness out of the way, so it's a good starting point.
“From the horse's health perspective and from what I see, he's doing fantastically well and I'm happy with him.”
Whyte indicated Russian Emperor would leave for Qatar early next month providing everything goes well in the Stewards' Cup.