Romantic Warrior is looking to level the score with Golden Sixty when the pair meets for the second time across their respective careers in Sunday's Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin.
Defeated by Golden Sixty in the Group 1 Stewards' Cup (1600m) last month, Romantic Warrior this weekend returns to his optimum distance which he boasts four victories over last year in the Hong Kong Derby (2000m), Group 1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m), Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) and Group 2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m).
Golden Sixty is a two-time winner over the trip having triumphed in the 2020 Hong Kong Derby and 2021 Hong Kong Gold Cup. Trainer Danny Shum is under no illusion of the task at hand as he attempts to unseat Hong Kong's current champion.
“I think Golden Sixty will be hard to beat – we have to respect him. He's a genius horse and it's a hard race, for sure,” Shum said. “We'll keep it simple – fingers crossed.”
Karis Teetan hops aboard Romantic Warrior again this weekend, while six others are set to feature including Money Catcher, Tourbillon Diamond, Ka Ying Star, Glorious Dragon, Savvy Nine and Panfield.
“He's (Romantic Warrior) good, he's happy – there's been no problems. It all depends on the draw, but he should be able to sit third, fourth or fifth (in the run),” Shum said.
Francis Lui has indicated Golden Sixty – a seven-year-old now – has held his condition between runs as he chases a second Hong Kong Gold Cup win and an enhancement to his all-time earnings record in Hong Kong (HK$129.69 million).
“He's keeping his form, we'll give him another grass gallop on Thursday.
“He's still healthy, everything is fine and I hope he can handle the distance – before he has. I think so (to appreciating 2000m more now), I think he's more relaxed and he seems much better,” Lui said.
Golden Sixty stamped his authority over Hong Kong racing's hierarchy last start with victory over Romantic Warrior and California Spangle, however, facing Romantic Warrior over 10 furlongs looms as the latest threat to his sustained supremacy.
“We only have two choices, the 1400 or 2000 – I prefer the 2000 metres. We'll just jump out, relax him (Golden Sixty) – he's stepping up in distance, so he needs to relax,” Lui said.
Tourbillon Diamond forms a two-pronged assault in the Hong Kong Gold Cup for Shum, while also holding an entry for the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m) at Meydan on March 25.
“He's entered to run in the Dubai Turf. We'll see how he runs in this race and whether we stick to that plan and go to Dubai or not,” Shum said.
As for California Spangle – Tony Cruz's classy miler limbered up this morning under Zac Purton as he prepares for his Group 1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) tilt on March 19.
“He races in the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup – we'll have one more trial before the race, it's seven weeks between runs, so there's not many options for him.
“He's a very healthy horse – Zac was very happy with him, he said he was much more relaxed this morning. He goes when he wants him to go, when Zac asks the question, he goes. He's pulled up good, we'll just have one more trial before the run,” Cruz said.
California Spangle clocked 58.15s down the turf straight at Sha Tin and is expected to face the likes of Lucky Sweynesse and Wellington in the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup.